Were you born in the 80's? Maybe you're perimenopausal?

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I remember the day my body decided to give me a sneak peek into the start of PERIMENOPAUSE. I was on my way to Westfield Shopping Centre (a mall in Australia for my American friends) following a full day of homeschooling in the spring of 2021. We had just parked the car and I was helping Summer, my 3 year old at the time, out of her booster seat. When suddenly my mouth went dry, I felt faint and my legs went weak. I had this overwhelming urge to leave. 

I couldnt breath. 

Leah, my 7-year-old at the time asked, "What's going on?" I explained to my kids, what was happening and why we had to leave. "Mummy's not feeling well and we need to leave".

I didnt know it at the time but I was experiencing my first onset of perimenopause.

Then came the mood swings. One minute I was laughing at an episode of Bluey, with Summer and the next, I was tearing up and I didnt even have a valid reason as to WHY? As for Sleep? That became a distant memory. I’d wake up at 3:00am, staring at the ceiling, pondering why I couldn't 'switch off' and why I couldn't get back to sleep. I consulted with 3 different General Practitioners, each sending me for blood works, with all blood works coming back as normal. Each diagnosing me with something different, each recommending different treatment modalities (even though they couldn't figure out what was wrong with me), and none able to identify what was truly going on. So I started researching... and this is what I found...

Are you in perimenopause?

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, often beginning in your 40s, but it can start as early as your mid-30s. This transition can last between 3 to 7 years as your hormone levels fluctuate, bringing on a variety of symptoms. In hindsight 

Common Symptoms of Perimenopause:

  • Irregular Periods: You may notice changes in the timing, flow, or length of your periods.
  • Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Sudden bursts of heat during the day or night (although I have note yet experienced this).
  • Sleep Disturbances: Trouble staying asleep or falling asleep.
  • Mood Changes: Mood swings, irritability, and even anxiety or depression can appear out of nowhere.
  • Weight Gain: Particularly around the tummy (yep, I can relate!).
  • Decreased Fertility: Though fertility declines, pregnancy is still possible (and miscarriage, but that's another story).
  • Changes in Libido: Your sex drive might go up or down.

But here's the good news - I discovered some simple tricks to manage the madness.

Managing Perimenopause Symptoms

While this phase of life can feel overwhelming, there are ways I discovered that can help make it easier:

  • Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A Mediterranean diet works wonders. 
  • Regular Exercise: Strength training and yoga helped me feel more balanced, and even relieved those heart palpitations. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days.
POV YT short on why I started working out.
  • Sleep Hygiene: Create a calming bedtime routine - ditch the caffeine (decaf is now my new friend), and put away electronics at least an hour before bed.
  • Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, or simply deep breathing can help ease anxiety and irritability. I also used melissa essential oil to help calm my nervous instantly. You can learn more about this here.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to combat bloating and dryness.
  • Consult Your Doctor: If your symptoms feel unmanageable, it’s important to seek professional advice. 

Emotional and Mental Well-being

Perimenopause isn't just about physical symptoms; it can affect your emotions too. It's completely normal to feel a bit unsteady. Lean on friends, family, or even a support group to talk through your feelings. Therapy is another great option - seeking help shows strength. So is doing a word search puzzle! 


Embracing the Change

Perimenopause has been a rollercoaster, but it’s also taught me patience, self-care, and the power of laughter. So, if you find yourself having an anxiety attack in a shopping center (or mall), or tearing up for no apparent reason, just know you’re not alone.

Perimenopause is a natural part of life, just like puberty was. This is your moment to focus on yourself, reassess your health and goals, and embrace the transition with grace. And if you were born in the 80s, you’ve got this! Put on your favourite 80s playlist, and tackle perimenopause with the same energy you brought to in your younger days.

What next?

If you’re feeling the effects of perimenopause, download my free Biohacking Perimenopause with food guide and start biohacking perimenopause, for tips, resources, and personal insights to help you balance your hormones and live your best life!






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What resonated with you? I'd love to hear about your own perimenopause journey or the 'Camino' you're working toward. This is a supportive space for women navigating this beautiful, challenging phase of life. 💙

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