Pink flowers blooming in a field with a bright sky background.

Perimenopause

Understanding Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the natural transitional phase leading up to menopause when hormonal fluctuations can create emotional and physical changes. The average age of menopause is approximately 51, and for many women, perimenopause begins about 8–10 years before then, often starting in the early 40s. Some women may notice changes earlier or later, as the timing and experience of perimenopause varies. Perimenopause is the natural transitional phase leading up to menopause, when hormonal fluctuations can create emotional and physical changes. The average age of menopause is approximately 51, and for many women, perimenopause begins about 8–10 years before then, often starting in the early 40s. Some women may notice changes earlier or later, as the timing and experience of perimenopause vary.

​

This phase of life often feels like your body has changed the rules without warning, but it's important to understand this transition is not a sign that your body is broken. Rather, your body is adapting after years of operating in familiar patterns. This adjustment can feel confusing, uncomfortable, unpredictable, and challenging to what we are used to/familiar expectations. However, with the right support, many women find they can develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with their body by setting better boundaries, listening to their needs in a different approach, and prioritizing their needs during this shift.

​

Since perimenopause often overlaps with major life transitions — career demands, caregiving, parenting adolescents, or caring for aging parents — symptoms can feel especially disruptive or confusing. Understanding that these changes are hormonally influenced can be validating and empowering. With appropriate support, education, and individualized care, many women find that perimenopausal symptoms become more manageable and that this stage of life can be navigated with greater stability and confidence.

​

Perimenopause can be a confusing and often unsettling time, and many women come to therapy saying:

  • I feel “off”

  • I’m more tired

  • I’m more sensitive

  • I have less energy

  • I feel so irritable

  • I don’t feel like myself anymore

  • I don’t look like myself anymore

  • My body is reacting in ways I don’t recognize

These feelings are sometimes just a part of the human experience, and other times, they are hormonally driven. These changes may occur gradually or suddenly, often bringing emotions closer to the surface and causing unsettling or unfamiliar emotional and physical sensations. If you are experiencing this, please know that what you are noticing is valid and deserves care and attention.

Women can experience both psychological and physical symptoms during this transition. Combined, these symptoms can affect sleep, mood, confidence, and day-to-day functioning.

Physical Symptoms

During perimenopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate rather than decline in a smooth or predictable way. These hormonal shifts can affect multiple systems in the body, which is why symptoms are often diverse and can change over time. During perimenopause, women can experience both psychological and physical symptoms.

​

Common physical symptoms include:

  • Changes in menstrual cycles (irregular timing, heavier or lighter bleeding)

  • Hot flashes

  • Night sweats

  • Feeling warmer

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Fatigue

  • Joint or muscle aches

  • Headaches

  • Heart palpitations

  • Changes in metabolism/ weight gain, and weight distribution

  • And more!

Psychological Symptoms

Perimenopause can also influence mood, thoughts, and overall well-being. Many women experience changes in emotional regulation. Perimenopause affects more than just physical symptoms, often impacting a woman's overall well-being, mood, and cognitive function. Changes in emotional regulation are a common experience during this time.

​

Common psychological symptoms include:

  • increased irritability

  • Brain fog/ feeling spacey/forgetfulness

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling mentally slower than usual

  • Forgetfulness

  • Irritability reduced stress tolerance

  • Low mood

  • Periods of anxiety

  • And more!


Psychotherapy for Perimenopause

Psychotherapy can be a steady and supportive space to pause and make sense of your experiences. While psychotherapy doesn’t change hormone levels, it can significantly help you feel calmer, more grounded, and better equipped to navigate the changes you're facing with less overwhelm.

We can work on:

  • Calming the nervous system

  • Improving sleep quality

  • Managing stress

  • Developing coping mechanisms

I will support you in becoming better equipped to help manage perimenopausal symptoms with more ease and confidence.

Contact Me