BernetteAre You Feeling “Off”? This Could Be a New Chapter
Ignoring the Signs of Perimenopause and Menopause
You’re a vibrant and capable woman. You’ve navigated careers, families, and countless challenges. But lately, something feels different. It’s not unusual to brush it off, brush yourself off, or make excuses that it’s just the normal stuff that comes with “getting older.” While some of that may be the reason, if you recognize at least half of these six signs, it could be your body signaling a significant shift: perimenopause or menopause.
Six Signs You’re Probably Over 40 And Dealing with Perimenopause or Menopause
1. Your Energy Fades Early: Remember when you could attend that evening networking event after a full workday and still feel engaged?
Now, it’s like your internal battery hits red by 4 in the afternoon. You might find yourself on the couch by 7 in the evening and dozing off by 8, feeling completely drained. That Energizer battery you once had is drained and the charger? Where is it? (Yeah, I didn’t even mention that sign!)
2. You Have Low Energy Through the Day: It’s not just an afternoon slump or wanting to hit the bed earlier than you used to. (This is the reason those early lady clubs are becoming a whole thing.)
You might wake up feeling like you haven’t slept at all, even if you were in bed for eight hours. Imagine trying to wade through thick molasses all day – that heavy, persistent fatigue makes even simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain.
3. You’re Suddenly Moody: It’s like your emotional thermostat is broken. One minute you’re laughing at a meme, the next a minor inconvenience sends you spiraling into frustration or tears.
If you have a partner, they might jokingly (but seriously) ask, “Who are you and what have you done with my wife?” because these sudden shifts feel so unlike your usual steady self. If they’re smart, it’s from across the room.
4. You Feel Anxious: That familiar sense of calm has been replaced by a persistent hum of worry, like a low-grade static in the background of your mind.
You might find yourself overthinking things, feeling restless even with no good reason, or experiencing unexpected waves of panic. Did I forget to lock the door? Did I book that doctor’s appointment? Pay for the school trip? Submit my hours? Pay the electric bill? Why didn’t I set that to autopay? Did I set it to autopay? What’s the password to that account? (Or is that just how I was?)
5. You Can’t Sleep: Your bedroom has become a battleground with insomnia. You might toss and turn like a restless swimmer, your mind racing with thoughts.
Or you finally drift off, only to wake up at 3 in the morning with your brain wide awake, possibly revisiting that list above, feeling like you’ve missed the last train to dreamland.
6. Strangers and Friends Wonder If You’re Pregnant (Due to Belly Weight Gain): This can feel like the ultimate betrayal by your own body. You haven’t changed your eating habits that much. Still, you’ve suddenly got this persistent bulge right around your midsection. All the dreadful crunches in the world don’t do a thing. (Yeah, I don’t really do many crunches and don’t put them in workout plans for clients either. Lol.)
The body you’ve known for decades is like a pubescent girl filling in again, but this time, it’s exactly where you DON’T want it! That misplaced fat can lead to some awkward and hurtful looks and comments.
Signs of Perimenopause Aren’t the End – Their Your Invitation to the Next Phase
While having a couple of these signs could have other explanations, when you start having several of them together, it’s a good guess that your body is navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause or menopause. This is a natural transition, but it doesn’t mean you have to feel like you’re losing yourself in the process.
I was going through this myself before reclaiming my body and my mojo. Some people use the tools and practices I used and share in my book, Who Moved My Curves? along with other resources like hormone replacement or as part of my coaching program. I was able to shed over 30 pounds in 3 months naturally, sensibly, and without being hungry. That was great, but what was better, was how I felt. Like a brand new woman.
I believe you deserve to feel vibrant, energetic, and in control of your body and your life, no matter what phase you’re in. If you’re tired of feeling “off” and ready to explore practical strategies and principles to help get your body back without living in the gym or starving yourself, I can help.
As a coach specializing in abundance and wellness, I understand the unique challenges women over 40 face. I offer personalized guidance to help you reclaim your energy (think of it as recharging your internal battery!), manage stress (like recalibrating your emotional thermostat!), improve sleep (so you can finally find that train to dreamland!), and address those frustrating changes to weight and belly.
Ready to take the first step towards feeling like yourself again?
Let’s chat! Book a complimentary coaching discovery call today to discuss your specific experiences and how I can support you in getting back your body and your mojo. Schedule your call below.
Don’t let these signs define your experience. There’s a path to feeling good again, and I’m here to help you find it.
