When Estrogen Leaves the Chat: What Really Happens in Perimenopause (and Why You’re Not Crazy)

Let’s talk about what’s really going down in your body when estrogen pulls a disappearing act during perimenopause. Spoiler alert: It’s not just hot flashes and mood swings. This hormone dip hits like a wrecking ball, and you deserve to know what the hell is happening.

First, What Even Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the awkward hormonal puberty before menopause. It can start as early as your mid-30s or late 40s and drag on for YEARS. (Yes, years. You’re not imagining it.)

Your ovaries slowly start producing less estrogen. And since estrogen is the Beyoncé of your hormones (it controls your brain, bones, skin, mood, metabolism, and sleep) when she leaves the stage, everything feels off-key.

The Rollercoaster of Declining Estrogen: What to Expect

1. Mood Mayhem
   One minute you’re fine, the next you’re rage-crying because someone looked at you weird. Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and dopamine (those feel-good chemicals), so when it drops, you feel emotionally wrecked. Anxiety, depression, irritability...they’re all on the menu.

2. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
   Your internal thermostat goes haywire. Suddenly, you're sweating like you’re running a marathon...while asleep. Cute, right?

3. Weight Gain and Body Changes
   Estrogen helps regulate your metabolism and fat distribution. When it declines, your midsection can start to feel like a storage unit. Plus, less muscle, more fat, and more frustration with your jeans.

4. Sleep Struggles
   Falling asleep? Staying asleep? Waking up feeling like trash? Blame it on your hormones, not your Netflix habit.

5. Brain Fog & Memory Lapses
   You walk into a room and forget why. You lose your keys, your phone, your mind. Estrogen fuels brain function—when it drops, your sharpness does too.

6. Missing Vocabulary
   Fear not, you are NOT getting dementia. Estrogen dropping = neuroplasticity decreasing. You may find yourself struggling to spit out your words. (Yes! Words become hard!) This will stabilize and you can make it funny by saying, "ok, since my brain isn't cooperating, let's do some Win, Lose, or Draw!"

7. Libido and Vaginal Changes
   Less estrogen = less blood flow = less natural lubrication and sensation. Sexy? Not exactly. But it’s real, and it’s fixable.

8. Bone + Heart Health Risk
   Estrogen protects your bones and heart. When it dips, your risk for osteoporosis and heart disease goes up. This isn’t just about comfort—this is about your long-term health.

But You’re Not Broken—You’re Becoming

Sis, this is not the end of you. It’s the REINTRODUCTION of you. You’re not going crazy. You’re evolving. Your body’s asking for support, not shame.

And here's what you need to know: You don’t have to suffer in silence. There are solutions—natural and medical—that can help you feel strong, sexy, and sane again.

What You Can Do Right Now:

• Track your symptoms so you have proof when you talk to your doctor (because gaslighting is real).

• Lift weights to combat the metabolic and bone-density shifts.

• Eat protein, fiber, and healthy fats to fuel your hormones.

• Sleep like it's your job (hint: it is).

• Talk about it. Normalize it. Own it.

Real Talk CTA

You don’t have to ride this hormonal rollercoaster alone. I see you. I am you. If you want help navigating this messy season with confidence and clarity, I’ve got something that can help.

Drop an emoji in the comments or DM me the word “HORMONES” for my free guide to perimenopause power. I've created resources full of nurse-backed science to help you own this season because I want your experience to be better than mine was!

This is your next era. Let's make it ICONIC!