When I mention to a client “Well, you’re likely in perimenopause…” they often look at me wide-eyed in pure disbelief and horror. Many women are confused by the term perimenopause, many have never even heard of it. They feel too young to be “menopausal” yet they feel like something is shifting because they definitely don’t feel like themselves.

Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to the end of menstruation and reproduction. This phase begins around age 42 on average, and can last 10+ years until a woman reaches menopause.

Menopause, “The Change”, aging…are all depicted and shrouded in shame and often come at the butt-end of a joke.

Which of course makes complete sense because all we hear about perimenopause and menopause is:

• Hot flashes
• Wrinkles and gray hair
• Weight gain
• Low libido

The problem is we live in a world that preaches that when you’re old, things dry up and fall off and you’re no longer valuable. Society tells us you must do all that you can to stop this so you can keep operating at the highest level at home, work and with your old self.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth!

The truth is as a woman, your hormones are constantly in flux and during immense shifts, like perimenopause, it can feel more out of control and unpredictable.

Yes, it comes with changes like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, sleep disturbances and changes in libido.

But this shift is an integral part of who you are as a woman.

And many women are trying so hard to stop a train that can’t be stopped, denying this beautiful part of their design. No wonder women in their 40’s and 50’s feel so tired!

This phase of life can be an opportunity to go from trying to control your body to working with your changing hormones and unlocking just how powerful you really are.

The combination of the normal hormonal fluctuation of perimenopause and stress prove to be a perfect storm that can cause debilitating symptoms, including anxiety, depression and exhaustion. So much so, that women have no other choice than to pause and reevaluate.

Below are helpful tips to get you through the perimenopausal period

• Determine what is essential and matters most 
• Ask for support both at home and professionally
• Say no and set boundaries to allow for more space for you
• Develop restorative practices and prioritize rest
• Learn how to support your changing hormones through diet and exercise
• Find a medical provider that takes your symptoms seriously and discusses various treatment options

The good news! You don’t have to wait until you feel like you’re drowning in symptoms to pause.

Embracing the change allows you to advocate for yourself, determine what you want for your life and set up a strong and healthy foundation for decades to come.

And what’s more powerful than that?

Are you a woman in your 40’s and 50’s navigating hormone changes and want to have a peaceful perimenopause over the coming years, but not sure where to start?

I help women go from feeling foggy, moody and exhausted to feeling clear, confident and energized through my coaching programs.

Book a complimentary call to learn more or visit my website for more resources.

Allison Poole, PT, MPT, WHC takes a modern approach to women’s hormone and pelvic health to take the hard work and confusion out of taking care of your body. She combines her 20 years of clinical expertise, compassion and personal experience to help women thrive, moving beyond the hormone hacks so you can truly take care of yourself in a lasting, sustainable way.