Let’s be real: life is a lot sometimes.
You’re juggling work, family, relationships, and everything in between—so when fatigue, mood swings, or brain fog hit, it’s easy to chalk it all up to stress. But what if it’s more than that?
Perimenopause and chronic stress can show up with similar symptoms… and if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or early 50s, it might not be just stress anymore.
Let’s break down the signs so you can get clarity—and take the right next steps for your body.
What Is Perimenopause (And When Does It Start)?
Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause. It can start as early as your mid-30s, though it’s most common in your 40s.
Hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—start to fluctuate, which can affect your energy, mood, sleep, cycle, and more.
Perimenopause and Stress: Why They Feel So Similar
Here’s the tricky part—chronic stress and perimenopause symptoms often overlap. That’s because stress messes with your cortisol, which can then throw off your other hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and thyroid.
Common Symptoms of Both Stress & Perimenopause:
- Fatigue (even after sleep)
- Mood swings or irritability
- Brain fog or forgetfulness
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety or low mood
- Irregular cycles
- Weight gain (especially around the belly)
What’s More Likely Perimenopause:
- Changes in your menstrual cycle (heavier, lighter, longer, skipped)
- Night sweats or hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness or low libido
- Breast tenderness
- Worsening PMS
- Dry skin or thinning hair
These are signs that your sex hormones are shifting—not just a result of stress.
What’s More Likely Stress:
- Tension headaches or jaw clenching
- Digestive issues (like bloating or IBS flares)
- Feeling wired-but-tired
- Racing thoughts
- High resting heart rate
- Difficulty relaxing, even when you try
Of course, the two can go hand-in-hand—stress can amplify perimenopause symptoms, and vice versa.
What To Do Next
If any of this feels familiar, know this: you’re not crazy, broken, or alone.
There are real, natural ways to support your hormones, nervous system, and energy—without guessing or jumping into another restrictive diet.
Let’s talk about it.
Book a free discovery call with me and let’s figure out what’s really going on in your body—and how to help you feel like you again.
