Feeling different in your 40s? It could be your second puberty - PERIMENOPAUSE
Your periods are still coming, your blood tests are “normal”, but you just don't feel like yourself anymore.
You're more tired. Your patience is thinner. You're waking at 3am. Your PMS has changed. You're hungrier, your body is changing and suddenly the things that used to work don't seem to work anymore.
Could it be perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the hormonal transition leading up to menopause. It can last for several years and, importantly, it can begin while your periods are still regular.
Progesterone declines and oestrogen can fluctuate wildly before it eventually declines. This is why symptoms can fluctuate and feel so unpredictable . One month you're fine, the next you barely recognise yourself.
9 signs that your hormones are shifting towards perimenopause:
Endocrinologist Dr Jerilynn Prior's research highlights nine changes that can appear in early perimenopause, even when your cycles are still regular.
If you're experiencing three or more new changes, Dr Prior suggests if you’re over 35 years of age and you experience three or more of the following nine changes, it is likely you’re in perimenopause:
Heavier or longer periods
Shorter cycles, particularly 25 days or less
New sore, swollen or lumpy breasts
Waking during the night
Increased period pain
Night sweats, particularly before your period
New or increased migraines
Increased PMS or mood changes
Weight gain without an obvious change in diet or exercise
But what about blood tests to diagnose perimenopause?
Blood tests don’t diagnose perimenopause on their own, but they can be a useful piece of the puzzle when interpreted alongside your symptoms, cycle changes, age and whole health story.
A “normal” FSH doesn’t automatically mean you’re not in perimenopause. FSH, your follicle stimulating hormone, can fluctuate significantly during this transition, so a single blood test is only a snapshot in time.
In our clinic we often encourage our women to consider a FSH blood test on day 2–3 of their cycle as it can provide additional information - particularly as FSH tends to increase as the menopausal transition progresses.
This is why at Sora Sol, we don’t look at one number in isolation. We look at your age, your cycle, your symptoms and your whole health story to understand where you may be in the transition and what support may be most appropriate for you.
What can you actually do?:
This is where the foundations become really important. You can then work with your practitioner to create a personalised plan that’s tailored to your hormone profile, symptoms and goals.
Here are six of the practical tools we teach in the Peri Shift Masterclass to support hormone health, metabolism and your body through the hormonal shift:
Protein at each meal. Aim for around 1.6g protein/kg/day to support muscle, satiety and metabolic health.
Plenty of vegetables and fibre. Aim for 5+ serves a day, with plenty of brassica vegetables.
Strength training 2–3 times a week. Muscle matters more than ever through midlife.
Prioritise sleep. Aim for 7–8+ hours a night where possible.
Support stable blood glucose. We discuss gentle fasting in The Peri Shift Masterclass. .
Manage stress and recovery. Your nervous system and hormones are closely connected.
And sometimes the simplest tools are the most useful. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water before a meal has been shown in controlled research to reduce the post-meal glucose response by around 20%.
Small, practical changes can add up.
Want to dive deeper into understanding your hormones?
The Peri Shift Masterclass helps you understand what's happening during this hormonal transition and gives you practical, doable tools you can start using now.
Understand the shift. Support your body. Feel more like yourself again.
Watch the free Peri Shift Masterclass.
Want more personalised support? Explore our Peri Shift 4-Month Personalised Program.