Perimenopause is often described as a hormonal rollercoaster—one day you feel fine, the next you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or struggling with mood swings. If you’re experiencing irregular cycles, weight changes, anxiety, or poor sleep, you might assume it’s all part of perimenopause. But how do you know if it’s low progesterone (also called oestrogen dominance) or something else contributing to your symptoms?
Let’s break down the common hormone imbalances women face during perimenopause and how to recognise what might be going on in your body.
1. Low Progesterone (Oestrogen Dominance)
Progesterone is your calming, mood-stabilising hormone. In perimenopause, progesterone levels often drop before oestrogen, creating an imbalance known as oestrogen dominance—even if your oestrogen levels are technically normal.
You might have oestrogen dominance if you experience:
✔ Heavy, painful, or prolonged periods
✔ Sore, swollen, or lumpy breasts
✔ Bloating and weight gain (especially around the hips and tummy)
✔ Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
✔ Trouble sleeping or waking in the night
Supporting your liver, gut, and stress levels is key to balancing oestrogen naturally.
2. Low Oestrogen (The Next Phase of Perimenopause)
As you get closer to menopause, oestrogen starts to decline, bringing a different set of symptoms.
Signs of low oestrogen include:
✔ Vaginal dryness or discomfort
✔ Hot flushes & night sweats
✔ Low libido
✔ Brain fog & forgetfulness
✔ Joint pain & stiffness
These symptoms indicate that you’re moving further into perimenopause, and your body may need extra support with hydration, phytoestrogen-rich foods, and adrenal support to ease the transition.
3. Blood Sugar Imbalance (Often Mistaken for Hormone Shifts!)
Many symptoms blamed on hormones are actually linked to unstable blood sugar levels—a common issue during perimenopause due to changes in insulin sensitivity.
You might have a blood sugar imbalance if you:
✔ Feel exhausted or irritable between meals
✔ Have sugar or carb cravings
✔ Wake up between 2-4 AM
✔ Experience sudden energy crashes
✔ Gain weight, especially around your midsection
Balancing blood sugar with protein-rich meals, fibre, and healthy fats can help stabilise energy levels and reduce cravings.
4. Adrenal Fatigue (When Stress Takes Over!)
Your adrenal glands help manage stress hormones, but when they’re overworked, it can make perimenopause symptoms worse.
Signs of adrenal fatigue include:
✔ Feeling wired but exhausted
✔ Craving salt or caffeine
✔ Feeling dizzy when standing quickly
✔ Waking between 3-5 AM feeling alert
Since stress depletes progesterone, adrenal support is crucial for hormone balance. Prioritising rest, deep breathing, and adaptogenic herbs can make a big difference.
5. Thyroid Dysfunction (Often Overlooked!)
The thyroid and reproductive hormones are closely linked, and thyroid imbalances can mimic perimenopause symptoms.
Signs of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) include:
✔ Fatigue and sluggishness
✔ Hair thinning and brittle nails
✔ Sensitivity to cold
✔ Unexplained weight gain
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be worth exploring thyroid function through testing and supporting your thyroid with selenium, iodine, and stress management.
How to Start Feeling Better
Understanding what’s behind your symptoms is the first step toward feeling better. Here’s how you can start supporting your body today:
✨ Support Your Liver & Gut: Proper detoxification helps clear excess oestrogen. Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale) and include fibre-rich foods.
✨ Balance Blood Sugar: Focus on protein, healthy fats, and fibre at every meal to prevent sugar crashes and cravings.
✨ Reduce Stress: Prioritise rest, relaxation, and stress-management techniques like breathwork or meditation.
✨ Nourish Your Adrenals & Thyroid: Support these glands with adaptogens like ashwagandha, magnesium, and nutrient-dense whole foods.
✨ Get Personalised Support: Every woman’s perimenopause experience is different. If you need guidance, my Menopause Membership offers expert support, personalised advice, and practical strategies to help you navigate this phase naturally.
You don’t have to suffer through perimenopause! With the right approach, you can restore balance, boost energy, and feel like yourself again.
We’ll explore root causes like this and more in the monthly coaching calls within my Empower your menopause membership or I can offer 1:1 support.
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