As soon as I turned 50, it was like all the signs popped out at once. The premenstrual symptoms suddenly appeared, chronic stomach cramps, headaches, and a heavy, thick feeling in my legs. Plus, my periods got stronger and became like a flood.
Then one evening, while out having dinner with my girlfriends, I woke in the middle of the night, soaked in sweat. I thought I had a fever… but no, it was the onset of those classic perimenopause symptoms, as it came back the next night too.
Plus my teenage anxiety decided to come along for the party as well.
So how have I not only managed all this, but been symptom-free the last year?
Shop Perimenopause Supplements
Prioritising Sleep
I now guard my sleep like a lioness guards her cubs. Without it, I wake up craving a croissant, not exactly nutrient-dense. Magnesium depletes quickly with stress and anxiety, so I take a supplement two hours before bed. That helps massively. The first change I made was not eating after 7 pm. Even a small cracker later in the evening triggered night sweats. When we sleep better, our anxiety is better. Simple.
Strength Training for Hormone Balance
I went back to the gym and even booked a menopause-focused personal trainer, she’s 54 and totally gets it. Strength training has been vital for my body and hormone balance, but more importantly for my mood and regular bowel movements, as they too often slow down in this stage of life.
Managing Anxiety Naturally
I’ve been taking a saffron supplement for anxiety. I think this is a great option for those who don't want the hassle of having to cycle ashwaghanda. Honestly, it’s made a big difference.
Nutrition for Perimenopause Support
As someone who grew up in the fat-phobic 80s and 90s, I now make sure healthy fats are the first thing I eat each day, even if I’m not very hungry. That might be cheese and nuts, or eggs and spinach made into quick muffins to eat on the run.
I also take a menopause oil with my breakfast, not just omega-3, but a full spectrum of omegas. These work together in synergy to support hormone balance.
The Overlooked Role of Vitamin D in Menopause
One thing that’s rarely talked about in perimenopause? Vitamin D.
It’s essential, not just for bones and muscles, but for our mood, immune system, and gut health too. I personally prefer a spray format, because it bypasses the gut (which may already be struggling with dysbiosis) and absorbs more efficiently.
Perimenopause Without HRT - A Marvellous Transition
All of this can be done without HRT or alongside it. I really encourage women who are still menstruating to watch for the early signs, brain fog, craving more coffee and sweet treats, and struggling to sleep. These are signals your body is asking for support.
This transition can be beautiful.
I think of it as entering what many call the sage stage (sage is also a fab supplement for this time or make a sage tea with the fresh herb) when a woman fully steps into her vibrancy, her wisdom, and her own style.
My body has done a lot in its 51 years, four pregnancies, two children, and now I’m a grandma. This is my time.
Just as a doula mothers the mother postnatally, this is the time to mother ourselves, to protect, nourish, and celebrate the incredible women we have been and yet to become.
My Perimenopause and Menopause Menu
- An Oral magnesium like this one from Inessa. Or this one from KIKI Health - it's great for transdermal, especially for period pain and those aching legs
- This combination of liposomal liquid is a wonderful option for those who are not good with pills
- Menopause Omega Oil
- Saffron Calm
