Hey there, gorgeous. This one’s personal.
Let’s talk about a topic that’s close to our hearts (and our hormones): perimenopause, that messy, magical, and often misunderstood stage of life that hits most women in their 40s and early 50s. It comes with all sorts of symptoms: physical, emotional, and even existential.
Some things we whisper to our closest friends. Others? We keep locked away in shame or confusion, wondering, Is this just me?
But here’s the truth bomb:
- Perimenopause is not a disease.
- It’s not your fault.
- And you’re not the only one Googling “Why do I feel like I’m losing my mind at 47?”
So, let’s bust the silence wide open.
In the spirit of sisterhood, here are 5 things your best friend might be embarrassed to tell you about perimenopause, but needs to. And maybe you do, too.
1. Her Periods Are a Circus
One month it’s a no-show. The next, it’s a bloodbath with bonus cramps and clots. Sound familiar?
Hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause often wreak havoc on menstrual cycles. This unpredictability is one of the earliest signs of perimenopause, but few women are warned about it. Instead, we suffer in silence, stuffing tampons in our purses like we’re 13 again.
Let’s normalize talking about it. The chaos is common, and you’re not alone.
2. Her Mood Is… a Roller Coaster
One minute she’s laughing. The next, sobbing over a dishwasher commercial. Perimenopause can seriously mess with your neurotransmitters, making mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and even rage feel like uninvited guests.
And no, this doesn’t mean you’re “crazy.”
It means your brain and body are adapting to fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol.
TLDR: You’re hormonally hijacked. Be kind to yourself (and tell your partner to tread lightly).
3. Her Sex Life Might Feel… Off – Or she’d rather have a slice of pie than a side of sex!
Let’s not sugarcoat this one: perimenopause can crash your libido and dry up your vaginal mojo like the Sahara. And I mean the desert! Not the movie!
Between lower estrogen, stress, and fatigue, even the thought of getting busy with your lover boy can feel like a hard pass. But this isn’t about failure, it’s about physiology. And there are solutions: vaginal moisturizers, pelvic PT, hormone support, and open conversations that lead to a better connection.
So don’t stay silent. Solo or partnered, your pleasure still matters.
4. She’s Bone-Tired and Foggy All the Time
Keywords: menopause fatigue, brain fog in menopause, sleep problems perimenopause
She’s juggling work, family, aging parents, and her own changing body. Add menopause fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog, and suddenly getting through the day feels like walking through molasses.
This isn’t laziness or burnout. It’s hormonal.
But there are ways to reclaim your energy, clarity, and sleep, starting with lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and yes, finally putting yourself on your to-do list.
5. She’s Wondering if She’s Losing Her Mind
Forget what you walked into the room for? Or where you parked? Or someone’s name you just heard 30 seconds ago?
You’re not losing it. You’re in hormone flux. Estrogen plays a key role in memory and cognition, so it’s normal for some mental fuzziness to pop up.
This phase doesn’t mean you’re broken; it means you’re transforming. Like every version of you before, this one comes with new strengths. I know it’s hard to trust that, but it’s true, my love.
Final Thoughts: This isn’t the End, it’s a chance for a do-over!
Look, the perimenopause transition isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s raw, real, and, let’s be honest, pretty weird sometimes. But it’s also a wake-up call: to shift, to listen to your body, to take your health seriously, and to have some grace for yourself.
And most importantly? To stop going it alone.
Let’s ditch the shame and start owning this season of life. Even as a gift. The more we talk, the more we heal. The more we share, the more we grow. And the more we show up for each other, the stronger we become.
So the next time your best friend leans in and says, “Can I tell you something kind of embarrassing?” You look her straight in the eye and say, “Girl, me too.”
Because this is not the end of your story, it’s a fierce new chapter. And you? You’re just getting started.