Perimenopausal woman struggling with fatigue while exercising

So Tired You Could Cry? The Perimenopause Fatigue Fix You’ve Been Waiting For

June 19, 20244 min read

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So Tired You Could Cry? The Perimenopause Fatigue Fix You’ve Been Waiting For

“Fatigue is the price we pay for our dreams coming true. But sometimes, it's the body’s way of telling us that it's time to slow down, to breathe, to listen to the whispers of our own needs.”

The Fatigue That Feels Like a Freight Train

Let’s be real—this isn’t your average “I stayed up too late” tired. Perimenopausal fatigue feels like someone swapped your blood for molasses and replaced your legs with cement blocks. You wake up, optimistic that maybe today will be better... and by mid-morning, you’re eyeing your couch like it’s a lifeboat.

If you’re asking, “Why am I so tired all the time?” or “Is this just aging?”—you’re not alone. This isn’t laziness or lack of motivation. This is hormone-fueled exhaustion with receipts.

The Shared Struggle: Real Women, Real Stories

Rachel, 47: “I used to have boundless energy, but now I crash by 2 p.m. I honestly thought I was just losing my spark—until I realized it was perimenopause."

Linda, 52: “Between night sweats and insomnia, I feel like I haven’t slept in years. Some days I whisper to myself, ‘Please, just let me make it to dinner without sobbing into my stir-fry.’”

Sound familiar? You’re far from alone—and no, you’re not imagining it. There’s science behind this soul-sucking fatigue.

What’s Draining Your Tank? The Science of Perimenopausal Fatigue

  • Hormonal Whiplash: Estrogen and progesterone don’t just mess with your cycle—they affect energy, sleep, and mood. When they swing, your energy crashes.

  • The Sleep Saboteurs: Night sweats, hot flashes, and 3 a.m. bathroom breaks all add up to one thing: poor quality sleep, no matter how long you’re in bed.

  • Mood Mayhem: Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and dopamine—aka your mood and motivation crew. When estrogen dips, so do they.

  • Iron Deficiency: Heavy or erratic periods? You could be iron-deficient and not even know it. And guess what? Low iron = zero energy.

  • Thyroid Slowdown: Perimenopause can poke the thyroid bear. If yours is underactive, fatigue will be one of the first signs.

  • Cortisol Chaos: Chronic stress = cortisol overload = tired and wired. Fun, right?

How to Fight Back (Without Running on Coffee & Grit)

Let’s ditch the “push through it” narrative. Here’s how to actually support your shifting body:

💤 1. Sleep Like It’s Your Job

  • Cool your room—hello, night sweat prevention.

  • Same bedtime every night (yes, even weekends).

  • Ditch screens an hour before sleep (your melatonin will thank you).

  • Try magnesium glycinate or a sleepytime tea ritual.

🧘‍♀️ 2. Stress Less (for Real)

  • Try Insight Timer, Calm, or short guided breathwork.

  • Walk in nature (yes, even just around the block).

  • Say “no” more often. Your calendar doesn’t need to look like a game of Tetris.

🍳 3. Eat for Energy, Not Just Comfort

  • Protein: You need more than you think. Aim for 0.8–1g per lb. of ideal body weight. [Check out my freebie: Protein Power Plates!]

  • Healthy fats support hormone production—think olive oil, nuts, avocado.

  • Cut back on sugar and refined carbs (a.k.a. energy thieves).

  • Drink water—fatigue is often just dehydration in disguise.

🏋️‍♀️ 4. Move Your Body (But Gently)

  • Strength training boosts metabolism and muscle = more energy.

  • Walk outside—sunlight helps reset your circadian rhythm.

  • Yoga and Pilates reduce stress and improve sleep.

🩺 5. Check Your Iron, Thyroid & B12

  • Ask for a full thyroid panel (not just TSH!).

  • Iron-rich foods: spinach, lentils, red meat.

  • B12 is crucial for energy—especially if you eat mostly plant-based.

🛋️ 6. Reframe Rest

  • Naps aren’t lazy—they’re strategic. A 20-minute power nap can reset your brain.

  • Let go of the guilt. Rest is not a reward. It’s a necessity.

🧑‍⚕️ 7. Get Medical Support

  • If you're beyond burnt out, talk to your doc. Hormone therapy or targeted supplements could be game changers.

  • Join a perimenopause community—you are so not alone.


Final Thoughts: You’re Not Lazy. You’re in Hormonal Transition.

If you’re dragging yourself through the day and questioning your worth, pause right there. You’re not broken. You’re not failing. Your body is asking—begging—for new kinds of support.

Perimenopausal fatigue isn’t something to tough out with more coffee. It’s a biological cry for rest, nourishment, and patience. So let’s start listening. One nap, one deep breath, and one protein-packed meal at a time.

You've got this.


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Hormonally yours,

Kimberlee Erin

Just a heads-up: I’m a Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist and Holistic Nutritionist, and while I love sharing what’s worked for me and my clients, this blog is for informational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical advice. Always check in with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, hormones, or treatments—especially since every woman’s perimenopause journey is different. You deserve personalized care that truly fits you.

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