Is It Perimenopause Or Something Else
Many women in their late 30s and 40s begin to notice subtle shifts in how they feel day to day. Sleep may become lighter, moods less predictable, and energy can dip mid afternoon. You might find weight changing despite doing all the “right” things, or feel a new sense of anxiety that is hard to explain.
It is a common question we hear: Is this perimenopause, or is something else going on?
The answer is often both.
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause, and it can begin up to ten years before periods stop altogether. During this time, the ovaries start producing hormones less consistently. Oestrogen and progesterone do not simply decline in a straight line, they fluctuate, sometimes quite dramatically.
These shifts can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Mood changes or irritability
• Headaches
• Poor or disrupted sleep
• Low energy
While these symptoms are often attributed to hormones alone, the body is far more interconnected than that. Two key drivers that can significantly influence how this transition feels are stress and blood sugar balance.
The Role of Stress and Cortisol
Stress is one of the most overlooked contributors to hormonal imbalance during this stage of life.
When your body is under ongoing stress, whether emotional, physical, or even from poor diet, the adrenal glands produce more cortisol. In the short term, this is helpful. Over time, elevated cortisol can disrupt the delicate balance of other hormones.
This can lead to:
• Reduced progesterone levels
• Increased anxiety or feeling wired but tired
• More disrupted sleep
• Greater sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations
During perimenopause, the body begins to rely more on the adrenal glands as ovarian hormone production becomes less predictable. If the adrenals are already under pressure, symptoms often feel more intense and harder to manage.
For many women, this stage of life coincides with busy careers, family responsibilities, and full schedules, often with very little time for rest. Supporting the stress response becomes essential, not optional.
Blood Sugar The Quiet Hormone Disruptor
Blood sugar balance is another key piece of the puzzle, yet it is often missed.
Skipping meals, relying on caffeine, or eating refined carbohydrates without enough protein can cause spikes and crashes in blood glucose. These fluctuations trigger cortisol release, placing even more strain on the body.
This can show up as:
• Fatigue and energy dips
• Irritability or mood swings
• Brain fog
• Sugar cravings
• Poor sleep
These symptoms are frequently blamed on hormones alone, but unstable blood sugar can amplify hormonal symptoms and make perimenopause feel far more challenging than it needs to be.
Supporting Your Body Through the Transition
The good news is that there is a lot you can do to support your body through perimenopause, often with simple, foundational changes.
Start with the basics:
• Eat regular, balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre
• Reduce reliance on sugar and stimulants
• Prioritise sleep and create space for rest
• Support your nervous system through downtime, not just productivity
From a natural health perspective, herbal and nutritional support can also be incredibly valuable when tailored to the individual. Supporting stress resilience, energy, mood, and hormone balance holistically can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Perimenopause is not a decline, it is a transition. When supported well, it can be a powerful opportunity to reset and build a stronger foundation for long term health.
Natalie’s Naturopathic Tip
What follows is not a prescription, just a glimpse into what I personally prioritise to stay well supported through a busy life and this stage of change.
Sleep is non negotiable. To support deep, restorative sleep, I regularly use magnesium and glycine to calm the nervous system.
For stress resilience and energy, I include B vitamins, especially during busier periods.
Herbal support is foundational. I use a personalised blend that includes adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola, rehmannia, and licorice to support the adrenals, alongside herbs for mood and liver support such as St John’s Wort, ginkgo, and sometimes milk thistle.
I also prioritise fish oils for brain health and overall wellbeing.
From a dietary perspective, I aim for three balanced meals a day, built around quality protein, plenty of vegetables, and some fruit to keep blood sugars steady.
And because balance matters, I keep it realistic, usually two coffees a day and a couple of glasses of wine across the week.
A Final Thought
If you are wondering whether it is perimenopause or something else, it is worth stepping back and looking at the bigger picture.
Often, it is not just about hormones, it is about how supported your body feels overall.
With the right awareness, small daily shifts, and the right support, this phase can feel far more manageable, and even empowering.
If you are unsure where to start, a personalised approach can make all the difference.
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