One day, life is cruising along, enjoying the freedom of massive hormonal shifts being something left in the past. Then all of a sudden, your mood swings like a pendulum, and you sweat bullets at the most inopportune times. And sleep? Forget about it. Welcome to perimenopause, one of the plot twists in a woman’s life that catches her completely off guard. 

Perimenopause is a natural part of life, but it can sneak up on you unexpectedly. But, don’t worry, friend. You are NOT alone. With the right information, support, and attitude, it’s possible to navigate this transition with confidence – and a dash of humor doesn’t hurt. 

If you’ve ever had the experience of feeling fine and completely like yourself one moment, but then the next feeling as though you are a stranger in your own skin, chances are that perimenopause is knocking at your door. 

Perimenopause is the uninvited guest that shows up on your doorstep, bringing gifts of mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, fatigue, and so much more. Many women know that perimenopause will show up one day, but they’re not sure when or even what to expect when it does. 

Perimenopause often appears much earlier than expected, and its presence might not be obvious at first. You just might feel like something is off, that things with your body just aren’t right but you can’t put your finger on what’s wrong. 

In technical terms, perimenopause is the transition period that leads up to menopause. It’s when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and the symptoms associated with menopause begin to appear. 

It’s a commonly believed myth that perimenopause occurs right before menstruation stops completely. On average, perimenopause can last anywhere from two to ten years. This isn’t a short and sweet journey by any means. 

To complicate things a little further, there are three stages of perimenopause. 

Early perimenopause: Hormone levels begin to fluctuate, but ovulation and periods are still occurring on a fairly regular schedule. You might begin to notice subtle changes in your monthly cycle, or none at all. You might find that fatigue, sleep difficulties, and brain fog are more common than they used to be. 

Middle perimenopause: Hormone levels are dropping and behaving more erratically. Cycles can become longer or shorter, and periods will begin to change. It’s common to experience heavier bleeding during this stage and to sometimes have periods that are more like spotting. Hot flashes might show up around this time, and you might begin noticing some of the less known about symptoms of menopause.

Late perimenopause: Hormone levels are extremely low and your period may disappear for months at a time, only to return with a vengeance. The next step after this is menopause, which is defined by going one complete year (12 months) without a menstrual period. 

Perimenopause can bring a range of physical symptoms. Not every woman will experience this stage of life the same. You may experience none of these symptoms or all of them. This is also a condensed list, with additional symptoms appearing when you are very close to menopause or have reached the post-menopause stage. 

• Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushing.
• Night sweats: Hot flashes that occur at night, disrupting sleep.
• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, restlessness, and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Vaginal dryness: Decreased estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sex.
• Weight gain: Many women experience weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
• Migraines: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger migraines and other headaches.
• Joint pain: Decreased estrogen levels can cause joint pain and stiffness.
  
  

Perimenopause can also have a significant impact on your emotional well-being, including:

• Mood swings: Rapid changes in mood, from irritability to anxiety and depression.
• Anxiety: Feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear.
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
• Irritability: Feeling short-tempered, snappish, and easily annoyed.
• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and confusion.
  
  

The effects of perimenopause extend beyond the physical. Perimenopause can also have a significant effect on your overall health and day to day life. You might find yourself cancelling plans at the last minute because you’re too exhausted, or just feeling like you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to connect with anyone right now. This can be true even for the friends and family you’re closest to. 

As perimenopause takes hold, it's common to feel like you're losing your sense of identity and purpose. You might be wondering, "Who am I now that my kids are grown and I'm not as energetic as I used to be?" or "How do I navigate these changes in my relationships and career?" 

But here's the good news: perimenopause can also be a time of great transformation and growth. By acknowledging the challenges and seeking support, you can start to rediscover yourself and pursue new passions and interests. 

A big part of this is prioritizing self care. While you might not feel like you have the energy for it, taking up a new hobby, joining a fitness club, or pursuing a dream can help take the focus off of all of the negativity you may be feeling towards your body, allowing you to put your energy into something more positive. 

Perimenopause can have a significant impact on a woman’s sex life, and the quality of intimacy she feels with her partner. During this time, hormonal fluctuations can lead to a decrease in libido, which might not only come as a shock to the woman, but also her partner, making it more challenging to feel intimate with each other. 

The physical symptoms can impact intimacy as well. Who wants to have sexy time when their vagina feels like sandpaper? Uncomfortable or painful sex is just plain bad sex, and is something no woman should need to deal with. 

Even with all of this, it’s not doomsday for your sex life. There are ways to alleviate vaginal dryness, prevent vaginal atrophy, boost your libido, and restore healthy intimacy with your partner. 

First, communication is essential. Talk openly with your partner about your needs, desires, and concerns, and listen to their perspective. Communication is the most important step to navigating this time together. 

Lubricants can help relieve dryness during intimacy, and reduce uncomfortable friction. HRT may help relieve perimenopause symptoms that interfere with intimacy. Women who aren’t able to take HRT for personal or medical reasons may still be candidates for vaginal estrogen that does not enter the bloodstream, and stays isolated to treat only vaginal tissues. 

Another way to boost libido and help keep the vagina healthy for intimacy is by nourishing your body from the inside. This includes a diet that is rich in natural, whole foods - especially those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-7 fatty acid is also highly effective in improving vaginal health, and while it’s difficult to get enough through food sources alone, supplements like Pure As Silk+ offer all the wonderful benefits in one little capsule. 

Thriving in perimenopause requires a holistic approach, and self-care plays a vital role in managing its symptoms. As we navigate this transitional phase, we often experience a range of physical and emotional changes that can be challenging to cope with. However, by prioritizing self-care, we can better manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. 

One crucial aspect of self-care is stress management, which can be achieved through practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and balance.

In addition to stress management, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are also essential components of self-care during perimenopause. Engaging in physical activity can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, while also improving mood and boosting energy levels. 

A diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids provides the necessary nutrients to support hormonal balance and overall health. Furthermore, prioritizing sleep and aiming for 7-8 hours per night is crucial for physical and emotional rejuvenation. 

By incorporating these self-care practices into their daily routine, we, as women, can better navigate the challenges of perimenopause and thrive during this significant life transition.

All of this information about perimenopause is a lot to take in, but you don’t have to live every day with uncomfortable perimenopause symptoms. At Femininity, we understand the importance of addressing perimenopause symptoms in a natural and effective way. While our primary focus is on sea buckthorn-based supplements, it's essential to acknowledge the potential benefits of other nutrients in managing perimenopause symptoms. 

For instance, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce hot flashes and improve mood. Vitamin D is also crucial for bone health and mood regulation, making it an essential supplement for women going through perimenopause. Additionally, probiotics support gut health and immune function, which can be particularly beneficial during this life stage. 

At Femininity, we specialize in developing a complete line of sea buckthorn-based supplements to boost sexual self-care for anyone with a vagina. Our sea buckthorn oil is rich with over 40% Omega-7, compared to only 5% in competitors, making it an incomparably pure and potent supplement. We go to great lengths to ensure our products have ultimate efficacy and purity, using only the best ingredients, such as 100% organic, Himalayan sea buckthorn berries. 

Perimenopause is a wild ride, but it’s the gateway to the next incredible stage in life. Prioritize yourself, talk with your doctor, and gather a support network of women who are traveling through this journey with you. We’re stronger together, and ready to thrive through perimenopause.