Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormones—especially estrogen—begin to fluctuate. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to several years, often beginning in your 40s. 

As I have talked to several women, symptoms do differ but have a common set of symptoms. You may experience irregular periods, hot flashes and night sweats. You may also experience weight gain (especially belly fat), mood swings or anxiety, brain fog, fatigue and sleep issue. These symptoms are largely due to hormonal imbalance, particularly fluctuating estrogen and progesterone.

If you are curious with the symptoms that I have, I would all of the above. It was not hard for me to sleep BUT I will wake up in the middle of the night sweating, worrying, and I cannot go back to sleep. That will then make me feel so tired, fatigued, moody, and just feeling meh. It is like a wheel, a cycle.

My worries are so silly. I am fully aware that they are nothing. I am a believer and without my faith I would probably spiral down most of the time. Let's just say that my faith held me up, knowing that there is nothing wrong with me. My body is just going through some changes.

I have watched family members go through it and even menopause. It made me reflect on how blessed we are that we have resources nowadays so we can at least deal with health changes. There's homeopathic route and then there's western medicine like HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy).

I have also listened to women that were absolutely die-hard homeopathic advocates. Which is great! Natural is always the best. You also have to remember that everybody reacts to different pathways differently. Sometimes, we need the western medicine route. Sometimes, both. There is NO SHAME in going for the HRT route. I have also seen how HRT had saved lives.

What worked for me:

Here's what worked for me (so far). And please do not come at me for sharing what worked for my body (please see the underlined sentences above). I did all the natural path that I could including the diet, exercise, and supplements. Until I eventually prayed for HRT.

I am doing both. The natural and HRT. I am on a low dose progesterone and estrogen patch. Based on my experience, HRT had been a huge blessing to me.  I will share the supplements I take and the food that can help. As always, please do your research and talk to your physician. If you feel like you doctor is not listening to you, please do look for another. We deserve a good patient care.

1. Exercise/strength training

 This is crucial. I know how hard it is to work out. In fact, I hate working out. Cardio? Nope not for me. But I know that I need to move. I know the benefits of moving my body. My motivation is my vision for my girl's future family. I want to be able to play with my future grand kids. I want to be physically fit so they do not have to worry about how I do have good mobility. I would say, start with YouTube for free work out sessions. You can buy a set of dumb bells at a thrift stores. 

As for me, short strength training that does not have jumping will work! I just do not like 40-minute workout shesh! Maybe someday, but someone just starting.10-25 minutes is a sweet spot. I am currently using BODI. They used to be Beachbody. I have used them several years ago for their Insanity and 21-day Fix workout. Then life happened and now I am back at it. I love that they have 10-minute workouts. I am in the middle of 25-minute Speed Training. 5th week to be exact. 

I love all the options for workouts! Plus, the nutrition support and lessons. That is why, I applied to be an affiliate. If you use my code: CRISTINAM3BODI you will get 15% discount. I am on a monthly plan which is $19.99 ($20). You can stream it on your phone, TV, or laptops. 

2. Nutrition

As I have mentioned above BODi has four nutrition plans that are easy to follow. I am using the 

2B Mindset which is in a nutshell, a plate method so you do not have to count calories and weigh your food. But it teaches you which a good mindset and which food group are the most beneficial. They also have a ton of recipes! No need for a cookbook.

I have also increased my protein and fiber intake. Drinking more water too! You know what they say, you cannot outrun a bad diet. Yes, it is necessary to move our bodies but the food that we eat will matter too.

3. Supplements

Here are the supplements I take: (Please see disclaimer above)

It may look like a lot but please do ask your primary care physician first. Some physicians are absolutely against Creatine, and some are advocates of it. I just purchased these on Amazon. Sharing the links below if you are ready to try it.

Other supplement suggestions:

L-Theanine

Magnesium

Also, ask your doctor about the optimal time for consumption. I usually put my collagen and creatine in my shakes or coffee. And take the supplements with meals.

4. Community and Faith

This may not seem as essential for you. However, you need to people on your corner that understand what you are going through. You will go through mood swings and emotional lows and highs, who you surround yourself with is beneficial. The last thing we need are judgements. 

I also mentioned faith. If you are a believer, God's word will be a lighthouse during this season (Psalm 119:105). It will remind you that no matter what we are going through, this will not be an excuse to be unloving and unkind. 

Reading His Word regularly will help you: