Menopause and women’s hormone health are having a moment in the wellness industry right now. But if you ask me, this isn’t just a moment, it’s TIME! It’s about time menopause is being taken seriously.
There are a lot of conflicting conversations out there about managing health during perimenopause and menopause, but I’m here to help you cut through the noise.
Too often, women’s concerns about hormone health are brushed aside or misdiagnosed. Many of us (including myself!) feel unheard by medical professionals who haven’t received proper training in this area. Uncomfortable symptoms are often downplayed and brushed off as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The frustrating reality is many medical professionals receive minimal training on menopause and women’s hormones.
And it’s no wonder—only about 10-15% of reproductive medical research includes women. Misogyny is a huge driver of this startling lack of medical research. Researchers avoid women’s hormones, labeling them as “too complicated.”
But in reality, women have a beautifully harmonized hormone system that deserves respect and understanding.
Until we get to the root of hormonal issues, women will continue to suffer in silence from conditions like endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and PCOS, as well as uncomfortable menopause symptoms.
We deserve better. We deserve to be empowered and informed about our bodies. That’s why here at the Conscious Cleanse we’re committed to talking about this so you can feel confident in your health. Whether you’re just starting to explore this powerful phase or seeking support, we’re here to help you discern what’s real and what’s not.
That’s why today I’m taking a deeper dive into perimenopause and menopause. As someone currently navigating perimenopause, it’s important to me to share what I’ve learned about managing symptoms and thriving in this phase of life.
I want to help you reframe and reclaim menopause as an opportunity to connect with your body on a whole new level.
So let’s dive in!
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause begins, which starts around 40 (although many people start having symptoms in their mid 30s). This is when your body starts producing less estrogen and progesterone.
The shifts that come with perimenopause can be subtle—each person’s perimenopause symptoms are unique to their body.
Here are some symptoms of perimenopause:
- Change in the length, flow and regularity of your period
- Hot flashes
- Hair loss
- Weight gain with increased belly fat
- Cravings for sweet foods or carbs
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Sudden onset of anxiety or depression
- Insomnia
- Loss of libido or pain during intercourse
It can be difficult to diagnose perimenopause through testing alone. Taking the Dutch test can provide valuable insight into your hormones, since it takes samples of your urine throughout the day. This test can be interpreted by a Functional Medicine or Naturopathic Doctor to confirm a perimenopause diagnosis. But in addition to testing, paying close attention to your symptoms and how you feel is also important for a diagnosis.
Knowing you’re in perimenopause as early as possible gives you the information you need to make an impact on your health through menopause and beyond. You can make nutritional and lifestyle changes to prevent some of the conditions that commonly come with menopause, like osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes.
As for menopause, this stage is diagnosed after your period stops for a full year (usually when you’re in your late 40s to early 50s). Some people can also experience premature menopause earlier, especially after a hysterectomy. The symptoms that come with menopause often overlap with perimenopause symptoms.
In addition to the symptoms above, menopause can also cause:
- Brain fog and memory issues
- Dizzy spells
- Headaches or migraines
- Excessive tiredness
- Waking in the middle of the night
- Vaginal dryness
- Breast tenderness or throbbing
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Bloating and constipation, diarrhea, or acid reflux
- Changes in your body fat composition
- Sudden incontinence or frequent UTI’s
- Worsening of mood symptoms (including panic attacks)
- Dry skin
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes or blurred vision
- Weaker nails
- Increased body odor
- Crawling feeling under your skin
- New facial hair
Many women don’t realize several of these symptoms can be linked to perimenopause and menopause. Take a look at this list and jot down what feels familiar to you. Recognizing which symptoms you have will help you understand your body better so you can find relief.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this list of symptoms, I totally understand! But know that these are your body’s way of speaking up. Perimenopause and menopause give you a powerful opportunity to tune in to and understand your body on a deeper level.
Those hot flashes, night sweats, or joint aches are a call to show up for yourself—whether through better nutrition, mindfulness, movement, or building community. But most of all, it’s the perfect time to prioritize and uplevel your health.
However, understanding your body’s signals can be challenging. It’s understandable if it feels like a lot to take on by yourself.
Do you feel overwhelmed navigating perimenopause or menopause alone? Do you want help understanding your body’s signs and symptoms?
At the Conscious Cleanse we take a holistic approach to perimenopause and menopause through lifestyle and nutrition. That’s why we created a special Hormone Harmony Track for our 14-Day cleansers.
This track gives women 40+ science-backed advice to help them reclaim control of their hormones naturally, so they can thrive at any age – without crash diets, crazy exercise programs, or searching for that elusive magic bullet.
The result? Better hormone balance and relief from symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and low energy.
Do you want to boost your hormone health and reduce your menopause symptoms?
Our Hormone Harmony Track is coming back for our November 6 Group Cleanse! If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and confused by all of the competing information out there, this cleanse is for you.
With love and healthy hormones,
If you liked learning more about perimenopause and menopause, we invite you to join our online community! When you sign up you’ll receive regular healthy lifestyle tips and new recipes. As a welcome gift, we’ll send you our FREE Taste of the Conscious Cleanse eCookbook to get you started with more delicious and healthy recipes.
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.
