You’re Not “Too Young” for Perimenopause—It Starts Earlier Than You Think
Raise your hand if you thought menopause was something that happens suddenly in your 50s. ✋
Raise your other hand if you thought hot flashes were the first sign. ✋
Now, what if I told you that perimenopause—the transition leading up to menopause—can start in your late 30s?
Yep. Mid-30s. Even if your periods are regular. Even if you “feel fine.” Even if no one ever told you this would happen.
Most of us never learned that menopause is actually just ONE DAY—the 365th day after your last period. The years leading up to that day? That’s perimenopause, and it’s where the real hormonal rollercoaster happens.
The good news? Understanding what’s happening makes everything easier. Let’s talk about what’s going on in your body, what early signs to look for, and how to work with your hormones instead of feeling like your body is betraying you.
Wait… Perimenopause Starts in Your 30s?
If you still get regular periods, it might seem impossible that perimenopause has already begun—but that’s exactly why it’s often missed. The first signs are subtle and can show up years before your cycle actually changes.
Most women enter perimenopause between 35 and 45, but small hormonal shifts can start as early as the mid-30s. This transition lasts anywhere from 4 to 10 years, leading up to menopause. Unlike puberty, where hormones steadily increase, perimenopause is unpredictable—some days your hormones surge, and other days they crash. That’s why one month you feel unstoppable, and the next, you’re wondering why you’re suddenly exhausted, overwhelmed, or craving carbs like it’s your job.
Your body is adjusting, not shutting down. But when you don’t know what’s happening, it’s easy to think:
"Why am I suddenly so anxious?"
"Why is my sleep terrible?"
"Why do I feel like a different person every cycle?"
Understanding why your body is shifting gives you the power to work with it instead of feeling blindsided.
What’s Actually Happening in Your Body?
1. Your Hormones Are No Longer on Autopilot
Estrogen and progesterone aren’t just dropping—they’re fluctuating unpredictably. Some months, your ovaries make plenty. Other months, they take a break. This explains why your periods can be totally normal one month, and weirdly heavy or irregular the next.
2. Your Brain Is Sending New Signals
Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland are constantly monitoring your hormone levels. When estrogen and progesterone become inconsistent, your brain compensates by adjusting its signals—which can trigger mood swings, brain fog, and even sudden temperature shifts.
3. Your Adrenals Are Picking Up the Slack
Your adrenal glands (which also produce cortisol, your stress hormone) start making small amounts of estrogen to help with the transition. But here’s the problem: If you’re chronically stressed, your body prioritizes cortisol over estrogen, making perimenopause feel way harder than it needs to be.
4. Your Liver Is Processing More Estrogen Than Ever
Your liver is in charge of clearing out excess hormones—but if it’s sluggish, estrogen doesn’t leave your system properly. Instead, it recirculates, causing bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and heavy periods.
This is why adrenal health, stress management, and liver support are so crucial in perimenopause. The more you support these systems, the smoother your transition will be.
The Early Signs No One Tells You About
The first signs of perimenopause don’t always show up as hot flashes or cycle changes. Instead, you might notice:
- Mood swings that feel random—one day you’re fine, the next you’re snapping over nothing.
- Brain fog that makes you forget simple things—like why you walked into a room.
- More sensitive to stress—things that never bothered you before now feel overwhelming.
- Bloating and breast tenderness, even when you’re not on your period.
- Waking up at 3 AM for no reason and struggling to fall back asleep.
- Sudden cravings for sugar and carbs—because estrogen impacts blood sugar regulation.
- A “softer” belly that wasn’t there before, even if your diet and workouts haven’t changed.
If any of these feel familiar, you’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone.
Myth-Busting Perimenopause: What You Need to Know
🚫 Myth: “Perimenopause only happens in your 40s.”
✔ Truth: Changes often start in your mid-30s, even if your cycle is still regular.
🚫 Myth: “If you’re still getting periods, you’re not in perimenopause.”
✔ Truth: Perimenopause begins while you still have a cycle—and lasts for years before menopause.
🚫 Myth: “There’s nothing you can do—just wait it out.”
✔ Truth: Nutrition, supplements, and stress management can make a huge difference. You don’t have to suffer through it.
🚫 Myth: “It’s all downhill from here.”
✔ Truth: This is the beginning of a powerful new phase of life—not the end of the good stuff.
How to Support Your Body in Perimenopause
When symptoms start creeping in, the key is to support your body instead of ignoring it.
1. Support Your Adrenals → The calmer your stress response, the easier the transition.
💊 Try: Bison Liver (B vitamins & iron for adrenal support).
2. Balance Blood Sugar → Prevents energy crashes, cravings, and weight gain.
🥦 Try: Broccoli Sprouts (supports metabolism & blood sugar regulation).
3. Support Estrogen Detox → Helps prevent bloating, PMS, and mood swings.
🌿 Try: Castor Oil Packs for Liver (pair with castor oil to supports liver detox).
4. Prioritize Deep Sleep → Helps regulate temperature & prevent night sweats.
💤 Try: DreamEase (supports deep, restorative sleep).
Your Body Isn’t Broken—It’s Evolving
Perimenopause isn’t something to dread—it’s your body’s way of recalibrating.
The more you understand these changes, the more empowered you feel moving through them. Your body is still working for you, not against you—it’s just asking for new kinds of support.
And the best part? How you take care of yourself now determines how you feel for years to come.
Next up? Menopause—The One-Day Event That Changes Everything.
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