Understanding Your Changing Body During Perimenopause

Something feels off.

You’re gaining weight—even though you’re eating the same.
Your emotions are all over the place.
You wake up sweating at 3 a.m., your brain feels foggy by 3 p.m., and your motivation? Gone.

If this sounds familiar, you might be in perimenopause—even if no one ever told you what that really means.

This phase can feel overwhelming, confusing, and honestly a little scary. But knowledge is power—and understanding what’s going on in your body is the first step toward taking back control.

What Is Perimenopause (and How Is It Different from Menopause)?

Let’s clear this up first:
Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause.
It can start in your late 30s or early 40s (yes—that early) and typically lasts 4–10 years.

You are still having periods, but they’re becoming less predictable. Your hormones are fluctuating wildly. Some days you feel great. Other days, not so much. That unpredictability is perimenopause.

Menopause, on the other hand, is when you’ve gone 12 full months without a period. At that point, your ovaries have significantly reduced hormone production and you’ve officially entered a new phase. (More on that in the next blog.)

What’s Actually Happening in Your Body?

Think of your hormones as your body’s internal communication system—tiny messengers telling your organs what to do. When those messengers stop speaking clearly, things start to feel… messy.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key hormones at play:

Estrogen: The Balancer

Estrogen impacts your brain, bones, skin, heart, metabolism, and reproductive system. It’s involved in over 400 bodily functions.
During perimenopause, estrogen doesn’t just drop—it swings. That up-and-down rollercoaster is responsible for many of the “I feel crazy” moments.

• High estrogen days? You might feel anxious, bloated, or irritable.

• Low estrogen days? You may feel low-energy, mentally foggy, or have trouble sleeping.

Progesterone: The Calmer

Progesterone is your body’s natural anti-anxiety hormone. It promotes restful sleep, balances mood, and regulates your cycle.
During perimenopause, progesterone often declines earlier and more steadily than estrogen—meaning estrogen becomes the dominant hormone, even if it’s also declining.

• Less progesterone = trouble sleeping, increased anxiety, and heavier or irregular periods.

Testosterone: The Forgotten Female Hormone

Women produce testosterone too! It contributes to energy, libido, muscle tone, and confidence.
As testosterone gradually declines, you might feel physically weaker, less driven, and less interested in intimacy.

The Symptoms: What You Might Be Feeling (and Why)

Let’s match the hormonal shifts to real symptoms so you can better understand what’s happening:

Weight Gain (especially belly fat)

As estrogen drops, your body becomes less efficient at using insulin, your metabolism slows, and your body starts storing more fat—especially around your midsection.
You might be eating “healthy” and working out, yet still feel like your clothes don’t fit right. It’s not you. It’s your hormones.

Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

When estrogen levels fluctuate, your hypothalamus (your body’s internal thermostat) gets confused. It thinks you're overheating when you’re not—and triggers a hot flash or night sweat.

Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances

Lower progesterone and estrogen mess with your ability to stay asleep. You may find yourself tossing, turning, or waking up drenched in sweat—then dragging all day.

Fatigue

This isn’t just “tired.” This is can’t-keep-my-eyes-open fatigue.
It comes from poor sleep, blood sugar swings, and hormonal disruption. And no amount of coffee seems to help.

Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Emotional Overload

One minute you’re fine, the next you’re crying at a car commercial.
Lower estrogen affects serotonin production (your feel-good chemical), while declining progesterone reduces your brain’s calm and coping abilities. It’s like emotional whiplash—and it’s very real.

Brain Fog & Memory Issues

Forgetfulness, losing your train of thought mid-sentence, and trouble focusing? Estrogen fluctuations interfere with neurotransmitters that affect memory and mental sharpness.

Lower Libido and Vaginal Dryness

As estrogen and testosterone decline, you may notice less desire for intimacy and more discomfort. This can affect confidence, relationships, and your sense of self.

Joint Pain and Aches

Estrogen supports tissue flexibility and reduces inflammation. As levels drop, your joints may feel stiffer, more painful, or inflamed—especially in the morning.

Why You’ve Never Been Told Any of This

Most of us weren’t taught what perimenopause was.
Most doctors don’t get in-depth menopause training.
And most healthcare systems treat women’s midlife health as an afterthought.

But the tides are turning. Women are finally talking, researching, and demanding better care and answers.

You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to validate what you’re feeling. The symptoms are real. The changes are real. And you deserve to understand what’s happening and what to do about it.

What You Can Do Next

Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step. But knowledge without action leaves you in the same place.

Here’s what I want you to know:

• You don’t need to overhaul your entire life.

• You can feel better with small, consistent changes.

• There are tools to support your hormones, improve your sleep, balance your blood sugar, reduce stress, and rebuild your energy.

And I want to share them with you.

Want Real Strategies That Make a Real Difference?

Sign up for my free newsletter, where I share simple, science-backed strategies to support your body and mind during perimenopause—so you can feel better, one day at a time.

From managing symptoms like brain fog, night sweats, and weight gain to understanding how to talk to your doctor, you’ll get actionable wellness tips sent right to your inbox.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s do this together.

The Truths and Myths of Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause and menopause aren't talked about enough—and when they are, it's often clouded by myths, confusion, and outdated advice. For generations, women have been told to “tough it out,” “it’s just part of getting older,” or worst of all, “there’s nothing you can do.” But the truth? You can take back control—and it starts with understanding what’s actually happening inside your body.

Let’s uncover the truths, debunk the myths, and shed light on what it really means to navigate this transformative season of life.

What Is Perimenopause and Menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, usually starting in your 40s (though it can begin earlier). During this time, hormones like estrogen and progesterone start fluctuating, causing changes in your menstrual cycle, sleep, mood, and more. This phase can last several years.

Menopause is officially diagnosed when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age for this is 51, but the symptoms often continue beyond that milestone as your body adjusts to lower hormone levels.

This isn’t a sudden event—it’s a gradual biological transition. And like all big changes, it can affect your body, mind, and spirit.

How It’s Been Viewed in the Past

Historically, menopause has been dismissed as something women just “deal with.” It’s often been shrouded in silence or humor, with little meaningful education or support. Many in the medical field were trained to view it through a narrow lens—focusing on periods stopping or offering a one-size-fits-all solution like antidepressants or hormone therapy, without exploring root causes or personalized care.

Women who spoke up were often told they were overly emotional or simply aging. That mindset is shifting—and thank goodness.

A Movement for Women's Health

There is a powerful movement happening right now. Women are demanding more information, more options, and more control. We’re advocating for ourselves in the doctor’s office, asking deeper questions, and not accepting dismissive answers.

And we’re seeing real change:

• More research on women’s hormones and midlife health

• Increased awareness around perimenopause and menopause in healthcare, media, and policy

• A growing community of women saying, “We deserve better”

This shift is long overdue—and you are part of it by simply learning and seeking answers.

The Hormone Shifts That Impact Your Body

Perimenopause and menopause are not just about your period stopping—they affect your entire body. These changes are hormonal, yes—but they also impact everything from sleep and energy to mood, metabolism, and mental clarity.

Let’s take a closer look at the key hormones in play:

Estrogen: The Multitasking Powerhouse

Estrogen is involved in over 400 functions in your body. As it fluctuates and eventually declines, you may notice:

• Brain & Mood: Mood swings, anxiety, brain fog, and forgetfulness

• Sleep Disruption: Trouble falling or staying asleep, night sweats

• Skin & Hair: Thinning hair, drier skin, loss of elasticity

• Heart & Bones: Increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis

• Weight & Metabolism: Weight gain, especially around the midsection

Progesterone: The Calming Companion

Progesterone helps you feel calm and supports restful sleep. As it drops:

• Anxiety and restlessness may increase

• You might have heavier or irregular periods

• Sleep becomes disrupted

• You feel emotionally “off” without clear cause

Testosterone: The Underestimated Supporter

Yes, women have testosterone too! It's tied to energy, strength, and sex drive. When levels dip:

• You may feel physically weaker or more fatigued

• Muscle tone becomes harder to maintain

• Libido decreases

• You feel emotionally flat or unmotivated

You're Not Imagining It

These hormone changes are very real—and they don’t just affect your cycle. They change how you feel, how you function, and how you relate to the world around you.

It’s not “just stress.” It’s not “just life.” And you’re not going crazy.

Common Myths vs. Empowering Truths

Myth: Everyone goes through this, just deal with it.
Truth: You don’t have to suffer silently. There are proactive, science-backed steps you can take.

Myth: Mood swings, weight gain, and low libido are just part of getting older.
Truth: These are symptoms of hormonal shifts. With support and education, they can be managed.

Myth: There's nothing your doctor can do.
Truth: There’s actually a lot that can be done—but you may have to advocate for yourself or find a provider trained in women’s midlife health.

Myth: It’s the same for every woman.
Truth: Every woman’s experience is different—and your care should be too.

So What Can You Do?

The key isn’t to overhaul your life—it’s to take small, consistent, and intentional steps that support your body and mind through this change.

This includes:

• Understanding your hormones and how they affect you

• Making nutrition and movement choices that align with your needs

• Exploring symptom relief options—both lifestyle and medical

• Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being

• Learning to advocate for your health in the doctor’s office

• And most of all—giving yourself grace

You Are Not Alone

You’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re going through a natural and powerful transformation.

This blog, and the community around it, are here to educate, empower, and support you with compassion and real solutions—so you can feel like you again.

Want real, simple solutions to help you through this phase of life?
Sign up for my free email series where I share practical tips and proactive strategies you can start using today to balance your hormones, restore your energy, and feel better in your body. No overwhelm, just actionable steps that make a difference.

Advocating for Your Health: How to Speak Up When Your Doctor Dismisses Your Symptoms

If you’ve ever felt dismissed or misunderstood by your doctor during perimenopause or menopause, you’re not alone. Many women experience frustration when their symptoms are minimized or dismissed, often being told things like “It’s just part of getting older” or “Your hormone levels are fine.” These responses can leave you feeling unheard, isolated, and even crazy. But you do have the right to advocate for yourself and demand the care and attention you deserve.

In this post, we’ll explore how to have impactful conversations with your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing, how to respond to common pushbacks, and how to navigate healthcare conversations that can be crucial to your well-being.

1. "You're Too Young for Perimenopause" – How to Respond When You’re Dismissed Based on Age

It’s a frustrating experience when you’re told you're "too young" for perimenopause or menopause because you're not within the "typical" age range. But perimenopause can start much earlier than the average age of 51. Some women start experiencing symptoms in their 30s or early 40s, and these symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life.

Why This Happens: Historically, the medical community didn’t focus much on early signs of perimenopause. Doctors still tend to follow old guidelines, assuming symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods don’t occur until later in life.

What to Say:

• “I understand the typical age range for perimenopause, but I’m noticing symptoms that are affecting my daily life. Can we explore a more comprehensive approach to assess what’s happening with my hormones?”

• “I’ve done some research, and it seems that perimenopause can start earlier than expected. Could we talk about a test or other evaluations to rule out any underlying issues?”

By calmly explaining your concerns and asking for further testing or a different approach, you help open the door for more personalized care.

2. "Your Hormones Are Normal" – When Your Lab Work Doesn’t Match What You’re Feeling

One of the most common things women hear is, “Your hormone levels are normal,” even though they still feel miserable with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or anxiety. Unfortunately, this "normal" result doesn’t always mean your hormones are balanced or that you're not experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.

Why This Happens: Hormonal fluctuations are part of the perimenopausal transition, and a single blood test snapshot may not accurately reflect how your hormones are shifting over time. Many women feel worse even when their hormones "look normal" in a lab test.

What to Say:

• “I understand that my hormone levels might appear normal, but I’m experiencing significant symptoms. Can we take a closer look at my overall health and maybe retest over a period of time or with different assessments?”

• “Is there a way to assess my symptoms beyond lab tests? I’ve been tracking my symptoms and they are significantly affecting my quality of life.”

It’s important to advocate for further assessments, such as symptom diaries, or to ask for a more comprehensive test panel that reflects hormonal changes over time.

3. "It's Just Part of Getting Older" – How to Push Back When Your Symptoms Are Dismissed as Normal Aging

Too often, when women bring up symptoms like irritability, sleep disturbances, or memory lapses, they are dismissed as “just part of getting older.” This simplistic view is rooted in outdated medical beliefs, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept it.

Why This Happens: Many healthcare providers have been trained to think of menopause as an inevitable, natural decline in women’s health, with minimal intervention outside of symptom management.

What to Say:

• “I understand that menopause is a natural transition, but the intensity of my symptoms is affecting my life in ways I can’t ignore. I’d like to explore solutions beyond just letting it ‘run its course.’”

• “Can we discuss lifestyle changes, stress management, and even non-hormonal treatments that might help alleviate these symptoms?”

Shifting the conversation away from resignation and toward empowerment can lead to meaningful solutions.

4. "You’re Just Depressed" – When Emotional Symptoms Are Misunderstood

Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression are common in menopause, but these emotional symptoms are often misunderstood or written off as depression. A significant number of women are prescribed antidepressants when their symptoms are more hormonal than psychological.

Why This Happens: Historically, many women experiencing mood changes were automatically diagnosed with depression. Hormonal shifts during menopause are often overlooked as a primary cause of emotional distress.

What to Say:

• “I’m concerned that my emotional symptoms are related to hormonal changes. Could we explore options that might address both my physical and emotional health?”

• “I’d like to consider treatments that support my hormones, as well as therapies like mindfulness or CBT, that can help with mood regulation.”

A well-rounded conversation about both emotional and hormonal health can lead to more appropriate treatment.

5. The HRT Debate – Understanding What’s Right for You

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been controversial, especially after the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study, which was later debunked for its flawed methodology. While HRT remains an option for some, it's not the only solution for managing symptoms, and it’s important to have an open, informed conversation with your doctor about it.

Why This Happens: The 2002 study led to widespread fear about HRT, which is still affecting how doctors approach the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Some providers may be reluctant to offer HRT or might push it without considering other treatment options.

What to Say:

• “I understand that HRT has been controversial in the past. Could we have a conversation about the latest research and consider all my options, including non-hormonal treatments?”

• “I’m interested in exploring treatments outside of HRT, such as lifestyle changes, supplements, or alternative therapies, that might address my symptoms.”

Make sure to emphasize that you’re open to exploring the best treatment plan for you, but you want to weigh all the available options.

6. Non-HRT Solutions to Explore with Your Doctor

While HRT may be right for some women, many others find relief through non-hormonal approaches. Here are some options to discuss with your provider:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation can significantly reduce symptoms.

• Supplements: Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are commonly recommended to help with mood regulation, sleep disturbances, and bone health.

• Mind-Body Practices: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, acupuncture, and deep-breathing exercises can be highly effective for reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and managing emotional symptoms.

• Sleep Hygiene: Managing your sleep environment and creating a routine that promotes restful sleep can make a significant difference.

Empower Yourself to Have the Tough Conversations

Navigating perimenopause and menopause doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. You can take control of your health and advocate for your needs by having these crucial conversations with your doctor. Whether you're being told "you're too young" for perimenopause or that your symptoms are "just part of getting older," you have the power to speak up, ask questions, and demand solutions that work for you.

Remember: you deserve to be heard, understood, and supported as you move through this phase of life.

If you're ready to explore simple, actionable solutions to manage your menopause symptoms, sign up for my newsletter, where you'll receive ongoing wellness strategies, tips, and the latest research to help you navigate midlife with confidence.

Navigating Menopause

Everything You Need to Know About Menopause (And Why You Don’t Have to Suffer Through It)

You’ve made it through the chaos of perimenopause—maybe you're still riding a few waves—but you’ve now crossed a milestone: menopause.

You’ve officially gone 12 months without a period. That one-year mark might seem simple, but the changes happening in your body and mind are anything but. And yet, for most of us? No one really explained this phase. No one taught us what to expect, what to ask, or how to take care of ourselves.

So let’s change that—right now.

First, What Is Menopause?

Menopause is officially diagnosed when you've gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age for this is 51, but for some women, it can happen earlier or later. The time after menopause is referred to as postmenopause, and guess what? That can last 30+ years of your life.

That’s not a footnote. That’s a whole new chapter—and you deserve to feel good in it.

What’s Changing In Your Body Now?

By the time you hit menopause, your ovaries have significantly reduced the production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. You may already have been feeling the effects during perimenopause, but now, those hormone levels are at a new normal—consistently lower.

These hormonal shifts impact everything from your metabolism and mood to your bones, brain, and skin.

Here’s what’s happening under the surface:

• Estrogen is no longer swinging up and down—it’s now consistently lower. This affects your brain, bones, heart, skin, and urogenital system.

• Progesterone is minimal, which means less natural calming, mood balancing, and sleep support.

• Testosterone continues to decline, which impacts libido, muscle tone, and motivation.

Common Symptoms You May Still Be Feeling

Even though menopause has “officially” begun, many of the symptoms you had in perimenopause don’t magically go away. They may continue—or even intensify—for a while.

Most reported symptoms include:

• Hot flashes & night sweats

• Sleep disturbances

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy

• Mood swings or anxiety

• Fatigue

• Weight gain or bloating

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Low libido

• Memory issues or brain fog

• Dry or thinning skin and hair

Some women breeze through. Others feel completely unrecognizable in their own skin. Both are normal.

You’re Not Going Crazy—And You’re Not Alone

Too many women think, “Is this just what getting older feels like?”
The truth is: no, not necessarily.

Yes, your hormones are different now.
Yes, your body is changing.
But you don’t have to just suffer through it.

Years ago, women were told to “tough it out.” But we now know better—and have better tools. Menopause isn’t a failure of your body—it’s a natural shift that requires new support.

What to Talk About With Your Healthcare Provider

It’s important to partner with a practitioner who takes your concerns seriously. Unfortunately, many women still walk out of appointments feeling dismissed or unheard.

Here are essential questions and topics to bring up during your next visit:

Suggested Talking Points:

1. “I’m struggling with sleep/mood/weight changes—can we talk about what’s driving that and what options I have?” → Look beyond “normal aging” and get to root causes.

2. “Can we talk about hormone therapy or non-hormonal options based on the latest research?” → Refer to the evolving science—like the updated interpretation of the 2002 WHI study that once scared everyone off HRT.

3. “I’d like to look at my bone density and cardiovascular health now that I’m in menopause.” → Lower estrogen impacts both—be proactive.

4. “I’d like support for intimacy and vaginal health.” → Vaginal dryness, pain, or low libido are common, and very treatable—but often never brought up.

5. “Can we review lifestyle changes or supplements that could help me feel better day to day?” → Your healthcare shouldn't just be about prescriptions—it should be whole-person support.

Practical, Real-Life Strategies to Feel Better

Here’s what you can start doing right now to manage menopause with more ease, clarity, and strength:

1. Support Your Body Through Nutrition

• Eat more protein to support muscle and metabolism

• Focus on whole foods rich in fiber, omega-3s, magnesium, and antioxidants

• Minimize added sugars and alcohol, which can trigger symptoms

2. Move With Purpose

• Strength training is critical for bone density and metabolism

• Gentle movement like yoga or walking reduces stress and supports joint health

• Don’t overdo it—this is about support, not punishment

3. Prioritize Sleep (Even if It’s Tricky)

• Keep a consistent bedtime and cool sleeping environment

• Limit screens 1 hour before bed

• Try magnesium glycinate or guided meditation for wind-down support

4. Reduce Stress & Regulate Mood

• Hormonal shifts heighten your stress response—manage it with tools like:

  • Journaling

  • Breathwork

  • Therapy or coaching

  • Setting boundaries and saying no

5. Tend to Intimacy & Connection

• Use vaginal moisturizers or lubricants as needed—no shame

• Open conversations with your partner

• Explore new ways to connect if libido has changed

6. Explore Supplementation

• Vitamin D3 + K2 (for bone health)

• Magnesium (for sleep, mood, muscle tension)

• Omega-3s (for brain and heart)

• Adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola (to support stress response)

Always check with your provider before starting any supplement—especially if you're on medications.

You Deserve Better Than "Just Deal With It"

The way women experience menopause is shifting—and so should the care, conversations, and culture around it.

This doesn’t have to be the season of life where you fade into the background, grin and bear it, or silently struggle. You’re allowed to take up space, ask for support, and demand care that reflects the current science and your lived experience.

Let’s Navigate This Together

If you’re looking for real strategies to help you feel strong, supported, and clear-headed through menopause, join my free newsletter.

You’ll get:

• Wellness tips for sleep, energy, and mood

• Guidance on nutrition and movement

• Real talk about hormone shifts, intimacy, and more

• And reminders that you’re not alone in any of this

Because midlife doesn’t have to mean burnout—it can mean becoming more you than ever.

The Odd Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause No One Talks About

You're doing everything "right"—eating healthy, moving your body, trying to manage stress—and yet something still feels off. Your heart races for no reason. Your skin suddenly feels itchy and sensitive. You get strange electric zaps in your head or feel like you're crawling out of your skin. You’ve asked your doctor, and maybe you've even Googled it, only to be told: It’s nothing. Or worse—it’s all in your head.

But here's the truth: these symptoms are real—and they’re often tied to the hormonal chaos of perimenopause and menopause.

While hot flashes and night sweats get all the attention, there are many lesser-known symptoms that can leave women feeling confused, scared, and completely alone. This post is here to name them, explain why they happen, and help you feel validated and informed.

Why These Symptoms Show Up (and Why They're Often Dismissed)

During perimenopause and menopause, your hormone levels don’t just drop overnight. They fluctuate—sometimes dramatically. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play key roles not just in reproductive health but in your brain, nervous system, immune function, and metabolism. When these levels shift, your body reacts in ways that can seem random, even alarming.

The problem is, many of these symptoms aren't widely recognized by general practitioners or even some OB/GYNs. They're under-researched, under-discussed, and often misdiagnosed as unrelated conditions.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common "odd" symptoms that are actually related to hormone changes.

Heart Palpitations

You might feel your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat—sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes during the day for no clear reason. While it’s always important to rule out serious cardiovascular conditions, many women in perimenopause experience heart palpitations due to declining estrogen levels. Estrogen has a protective effect on the heart, and as it decreases, it can impact your autonomic nervous system, which regulates your heartbeat. These sensations can be unsettling, but they are a known and common symptom.

Electric Shock Sensations

Some women describe a quick, buzzing, zapping, or electric jolt sensation in their head, chest, or limbs. These are often brief but can be jarring and difficult to describe. These odd sensations are likely tied to fluctuating estrogen levels affecting the nervous system and how it sends signals throughout your body.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

A dry, tingling, or burning sensation in the mouth or tongue—without any clear dental cause—can be linked to menopause. This is thought to result from reduced estrogen impacting the mucous membranes and nerves in your mouth. It can make eating, talking, or even brushing your teeth uncomfortable and may come and go unexpectedly.

Skin Crawling, Tingling, or Itching

Do you feel like something is crawling on your skin? Or do you find yourself constantly scratching even though there's no rash or allergy? This is a lesser-known symptom of estrogen decline. Estrogen affects collagen production and skin hydration. As levels drop, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive to stimuli, sometimes resulting in tingling or itching with no apparent cause.

Increased Anxiety or Panic Attacks

Even women who have never experienced anxiety in their lives may suddenly feel overwhelmed, on edge, or experience full-blown panic attacks. Progesterone is a natural calming hormone, and estrogen influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. When both of these hormones fluctuate, it can create a chemical environment in the brain that mimics or triggers anxiety.

Tingling in Hands, Feet, or Limbs

A tingling or pins-and-needles sensation in the extremities is another confusing symptom. These sensations can be brief or persistent and may occur even when you haven’t been putting pressure on the area. The drop in estrogen can affect nerve health and how your body regulates blood flow, sometimes leading to these odd physical sensations.

Noise and Light Sensitivity

Are you suddenly more sensitive to loud noises or bright lights? Does a crowded room make you feel overwhelmed in a way it never used to? Hormonal shifts can affect your sensory processing, making everyday stimuli feel more intense. This is often mistaken for anxiety or mood disorders but may be a direct result of estrogen’s role in the brain.

Dry Eyes or Vision Changes

Hormonal fluctuations don’t just affect your reproductive organs—they also impact your eyes. Estrogen and androgen receptors exist in the tear glands, and when hormone levels fall, tear production can decrease. This leads to dry, irritated, or blurry eyes, and even increased sensitivity to light.

Joint Pain or Body Aches

Many women are surprised when joint pain becomes a problem during menopause. Estrogen plays a role in reducing inflammation and supporting joint lubrication. With lower estrogen, women may notice stiffness, soreness, or pain in their knees, hips, or hands, often mistaken for early arthritis or overuse injuries.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About These Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of these odd symptoms and suspect they might be hormone-related, you absolutely should bring them up with your healthcare provider. Here’s how to approach that conversation:

• Track your symptoms. Write down what you're experiencing, how often, and when it occurs. Patterns are helpful.

• Use specific language. Instead of saying "I feel weird," say, "I'm experiencing tingling in my hands every morning" or "My heart races for no reason at night."

• Say what you suspect. Try: "I've read that some of these symptoms can be related to hormone changes. Can we explore that possibility?"

• Ask about hormone testing or support options. Even if you're not considering hormone therapy, knowing where your levels stand can guide next steps.

• Be clear about the impact. Let them know how these symptoms are affecting your quality of life—from sleep to focus to emotional well-being.

If your concerns are brushed off, it’s okay to seek a second opinion. You deserve to be heard and taken seriously.

You Are Not Alone

What you’re experiencing may feel strange, but it’s not rare. Thousands of women are navigating the same confusing, frustrating symptoms without answers. The more we talk about these "odd" symptoms, the more we normalize them—and the more empowered we become to demand better care.

Hormones influence every system in your body. When they change, everything can change—and understanding that is the first step to getting support that actually helps.

Want Weekly Strategies That Actually Help?

If you’re looking for clear, simple ways to manage the physical, mental, and emotional shifts of perimenopause and menopause, sign up for my free newsletter.

You'll get practical wellness tips, symptom support strategies, and encouragement from someone who’s been there—delivered straight to your inbox.

You don’t have to keep wondering if what you're feeling is "normal." Let’s walk through it together.