Feeling “Off” Lately? These Perimenopause Symptoms Could Be Why

Perimenopause doesn’t usually show up with one big, obvious sign. It tends to sneak in quietly through symptoms that feel vague, inconsistent, or hard to explain.

That’s because hormones act like messengers in your body. And during perimenopause, those messages can get a little… scrambled.

Even small shifts in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones can affect how you feel day to day.

Here are some common signs women notice during perimenopause that often get brushed off as “just stress” or “getting older”:

• Weight gain (especially around the middle)

• Abdominal bloating

• Changes in appetite or feeling out of control around food

• Low energy most days

• Brain fog or fuzzy thinking

• Headaches or migraines

• Mood swings or feeling more emotional than usual

• Anxiety or irritability

• Low mood or feeling flat

• Sleep issues or insomnia

• Changes in bowel habits or digestion

• Feeling more sensitive to heat or cold

• Dry skin

• Thinning hair or hair shedding

• Irregular or unpredictable periods

• Low libido

If you’re nodding along, you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone.

1) Weight feels harder to manage than it used to

If you’re exercising and eating well but the scale isn’t budging (or keeps creeping up), perimenopause may be part of the picture.

Fluctuating estrogen, rising stress, and higher cortisol levels can all encourage your body to hold onto fat, especially belly fat. This isn’t about willpower. It’s about how your body is responding right now.

Supporting stress, sleep, and nourishment becomes just as important as workouts during this stage.

2) You’re tired… even when you’re doing “all the right things”

Perimenopause fatigue hits differently. You might be sleeping well and eating well, yet still feel drained.

Hormonal shifts, especially changes in progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, can leave you feeling exhausted, wired but tired, or as your energy disappears by mid-afternoon.

This kind of fatigue deserves support, not more pressure.

3) Anxiety feels new or stronger than before

Many women are surprised by anxiety during perimenopause.

Estrogen has a calming effect on the nervous system. When levels fluctuate, feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or irritability can show up even if anxiety has never been an issue before.

Add chronic stress into the mix, and cortisol can stay elevated when your body actually needs calm.

4) PMS feels more intense or unpredictable

During perimenopause, cycles can become irregular, and PMS symptoms can feel stronger or more erratic.

Bloating, irritability, mood changes, or headaches may show up differently month to month. These shifts often reflect fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone.

Nutrition, stress support, and gentle consistency can make a meaningful difference here.

5) Your skin or hair just feels… different

Dry skin, thinning hair, or increased shedding are common concerns during perimenopause.

Hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones play a big role in skin and hair health. When they fluctuate, your skin may feel drier and your hair may feel less full—even if your routine hasn’t changed.

6) Cravings feel louder and harder to ignore

If cravings feel intense or unpredictable, it’s not a lack of discipline.

Stress hormones, blood sugar swings, and changing estrogen and progesterone levels can all influence cravings, especially for sugar, salty foods, or quick energy.

This is often a sign your body needs steadier fuel, not restriction.

Pro tip: A simple food + mood check-in can help reveal patterns without judgment or tracking overload.

So what actually helps during perimenopause?

These supportive habits can help your body feel steadier during this transition:

• Eating enough protein at each meal

• Moving your body regularly (not necessarily intense workouts)

• Supporting blood sugar by limiting added sugars and refined carbs

• Including healthy fats

• Avoiding both under-eating and overeating

• Eating fatty fish or considering omega-3 support

• Prioritizing sleep (with support for night sweats if needed)

If symptoms feel overwhelming or persistent, working with a healthcare professional who specializes in menopause can help provide helpful clarity and determine if hormone therapy is an option.

Takeaway

Perimenopause isn’t a problem to fix. It’s a transition that deserves support.

Hormones play a powerful role in how you feel, and lifestyle strategies like nourishment, movement, sleep, and stress support can make this stage feel far more manageable.

If this post feels like it’s describing you, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Reach out to schedule a discovery call, and we’ll talk through what you’re experiencing and how to support your body in a way that actually fits your life.