Just When I had Life Figured Out...Perimenopause

Looking back, there were signs I missed of perimenopause. It probably started when I was about 43. I started having more difficulty losing weight, trouble sleeping through the night, and depression. At 46, after three different vacations, where I drank and ate things I normally don't, my symptoms became a lot more noticeable. I started waking up once a night for no reason, gained more belly fat than usual, and experienced debilitating depression symptoms even though my life was great. During this time, I also injured my shoulder and stopped working out as much as I normally would. I talked with my therapist about my depression symptoms and decided I had to do something about it.

So, I asked around, and did my own research and decided to start HRT, or hormone replacement therapy. The great thing about the provider I chose is they do a full blood panel to check for any deficiencies. I was low in B12, iron, and magnesium. After just one week taking testosterone, progesterone, and those supplements, I felt like myself again. I had more energy and positive feelings. I started going back to the gym regularly to build muscle, and I really began to feel amazing.

I believe that my lifestyle changes—the vacations and less working out—contributed to my perimenopause symptoms getting worse. If we are intentional in our everyday habits that make us feel our best, that will significantly reduce the severity.

According to the study referenced below, the shifting of hormone levels in this phase of life caused suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and feelings of overwhelm. With proper hormone treatment, many of the women felt better. I am so happy that this topic is being discussed more but of course, the more conversations the better.

I am very happy I decided to start HRT and know that its the best thing for me. Please do your own research, talk to other women, and decide the best options for you. We don't have to suffer through the symptoms!

Hendriks O, McIntyre JC, Rose AK, Crockett C, Newson L, Saini P. The mental health challenges, especially suicidality, experienced by women during perimenopause and menopause: A qualitative study. Womens Health (Lond). 2025 Jan-Dec;21:17455057251338941. doi: 10.1177/17455057251338941. Epub 2025 Jul 8. PMID: 40626330; PMCID: PMC12246672.