Perimenopause, Anxiety, and Burnout: A Deep Conversation We Need to Have
Hey, Can We Talk About This?
If you’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or like you’re teetering on the edge of burnout, I need you to know something—you’re not alone. Perimenopause is a wild ride, and no one really prepares us for just how much it can shake our nervous system.
I get it. I’ve been there too. And today, I just want to have an honest conversation with you, and finally saying out loud what had been weighing me down.
When Anxiety Took Over My Life
There was a time when I thought I had everything under control. I was the one who held it all together—work, family, responsibilities. Until one day, I couldn’t anymore.
It started subtly. A nagging sense of unease. Waking up in the middle of the night with my heart racing. Feeling like my brain was stuck in high alert, even when nothing was wrong. Then it got worse. Panic attacks. That horrible feeling in my chest like something bad was about to happen.
I told myself to just push through. But the more I ignored it, the louder it got. My nervous system was in overdrive, and I didn’t even realise it.
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| It might not look it but this was the peak of my anxiety and burnout while we travelled to Portugal in 2023. And that's the thing, as women we are SO good at masking how we feel. |
Why Perimenopause Triggers Anxiety (Even If You’ve Never Had It Before)
Perimenopause isn’t just about irregular periods and hot flashes. It messes with everything, especially your nervous system. Here’s why:
Hormones Are Fluctuating: Estrogen and progesterone affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA—your brain’s natural chill pills. When these hormones drop, anxiety can spike.
Cortisol Goes Haywire: Perimenopause makes your body less resilient to stress. If you’ve been running on fumes for years, your adrenal glands are likely struggling.
Blood Sugar Swings Make You Feel Worse: Estrogen helps regulate blood sugar. Without it, you might find yourself jittery, lightheaded, or feeling on edge for no reason.
Sleep Disruptions Create Emotional Chaos: If you’re waking up at 3 AM and can’t get back to sleep, you know how much it affects your mood the next day.
If you’ve been feeling more anxious, jumpy, or overwhelmed, it’s not all in your head. It’s your body asking for support.
The Burnout No One Talks About
Burnout isn’t just exhaustion. It’s the moment when your body, mind, and emotions throw up their hands and say, “That’s it. We’re done.”
It looks like:
Feeling drained, no matter how much you sleep
Irritability that comes out of nowhere
Brain fog and forgetfulness (Where did I put my keys again?)
A sense of detachment—like you’re just going through the motions
If this sounds familiar, please hear me when I say: You are not weak. You are not failing. You are just depleted, and your body is begging for care.
What Can You Do? (Because You Deserve to Feel Better)
The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck here. Let’s talk about what helps.
1. Food That Calms Your Nervous System
What you eat can either fuel anxiety or help ease it. Here’s what makes a difference:
Protein-rich meals to keep blood sugar steady
Magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, almonds, dark chocolate) to support relaxation
Healthy fats (avocados, salmon, nuts) for brain function
B vitamins to help with energy and stress support
2. Balance Blood Sugar (Because It Affects Everything)
If you feel anxious, shaky, or irritable, it could be blood sugar swings. Try:
Eating protein and fat with every meal
Limiting caffeine and refined sugars
Staying hydrated (because dehydration can make anxiety worse)
3. Calm Your Nervous System (Without Overhauling Your Life)
You don’t have to meditate for an hour a day—simple things help:
Deep belly breathing to signal safety to your body
Cold therapy (splashing your face with cold water) to activate the vagus nerve
Grounding techniques like walking barefoot or lying down with your hand on your heart
4. Support Your Adrenals (They’re Working Overtime)
Your adrenal glands have been carrying the weight of your stress for years. Help them out by:
Getting enough sleep (even if it means naps)
Limiting caffeine (it’s hard, I know, but your adrenals will thank you)
Taking magnesium glycinate 500g a day
5. Set Boundaries (Yes, You’re Allowed To)
If you’ve spent most of your life saying yes to everything, now is the time to say no.
Protect your time and energy
Stop feeling guilty for resting
Surround yourself with people who support you, not drain you
You Are Not Broken
I need you to know this:
You are not failing. You are not weak. Your body isn’t betraying you.
It’s adjusting. It’s shifting. And it’s asking for support.
Perimenopause isn’t the end of your vitality—it’s the beginning of a new phase of wisdom and strength. And I promise you, with the right support, you can feel good again.
I’m walking this journey with you.
With love and deep breaths,
Liza xx
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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. 💙