Am I having memory issues or is it perimenopause?
A few weeks ago, I posted a question in a class that I’m taking on the discussion board. A week later, I posted the same question again, forgetting that I had posted the initial question! I thought in my head, is this the beginning of dementia, perimenopause, or something else?! Have you been there? For many women, perimenopause sneaks up on us. We don’t know what is happening but notice strange changes, or feel off. Despite being a natural life stage, perimenopause is rarely discussed.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause means “around menopause” and marks the time when hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate. Unlike menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, perimenopause is a gradual transition with a wide range of symptoms that can appear starting in our 30s.
Early Signs You Might Be in Perimenopause
Symptoms vary for each woman, and can be caused by other things, but common early signs of perimenopause are:
Irregular Periods: Your cycle may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual.
Sleep Disturbances: Waking up in the middle of the night, trouble falling back asleep, or overall restless sleep.
Mood Swings & Anxiety: Increased irritability, mood fluctuations, or heightened anxiety.
Brain Fog: Forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling mentally sluggish.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Sudden warmth, excessive sweating, or waking up drenched at night.
Weight Changes & Metabolism Shifts: Increased difficulty managing weight, and weight gain especially around the midsection.
Changes in Libido & Vaginal Dryness: A decrease in libido and vaginal discomfort due to declining estrogen levels.
Why We Need to Talk About It More
Perimenopause can feel isolating. Many women visit doctors with these symptoms only to be told it’s related to aging or stress and prescribed an antidepressant or other medication. Increased awareness and education is empowering, helping women advocate for themselves.
What Can You Do?
Track Your Symptoms: Noticing patterns in your cycle, mood, and energy levels can help you identify hormonal changes. Use an app like Apple Health, Clue, or Flo to track your cycle.
Prioritize Nutrition: Support hormone balance with nutrient-dense foods rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Lift Weights: Build your muscle mass and increase strength as you are moving towards menopause.
Manage Stress: Stress exacerbates hormonal imbalances—practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help.
Support Sleep: Establish a bedtime routine and consistent bedtime. Limit blue light before bed, get early morning sunshine, and consider magnesium and herbal teas for relaxation.
Seek Support: Consider working with a functional practitioner who understands perimenopause and can guide you through nutrition and lifestyle habits.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, know that you’re not alone—and that there are ways to navigate this transition with knowledge, support, and self-care. Have you noticed any unexpected changes in your body? Let’s start the conversation!
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Natalie DiTullio is a certified health coach specializing in functional medicine and nutrition. With a passion for helping families achieve optimal health, Natalie takes a root-cause approach to address chronic symptoms through personalized nutrition, lifestyle changes, and mindset shifts. As a mom of 4 and athlete, Natalie understands the demands of a busy life and works closely with clients to create realistic, sustainable health goals. Currently pursuing her Master's degree in Functional Medicine and Nutrition, Natalie empowers families to take control of their health by uncovering the root causes of symptoms and addressing them through personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
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