I don’t know about you guys women, but I don’t remember ever being taught about my menstrual cycle in any sort of detail. I didn’t learn about the different cycle phases, hormone changes, etc. I had one class in college about maternal and child nutrition and I remember memorizing some facts about our cycle, but I was young and naive and didn’t really think about how it applied to me, my body, and how it would impact my future health.
I’m not an expert in this field and do not claim to me, but I had a really challenging time getting pregnant with Kinsley, which I talked about in this post and was SHOCKED to learn that my hormones were way off at the age of 36.
Since then I have become very interested in women’s hormone health. I was told since my AHM was so low I would likemy go into menopause early. W T F! I thought this is something I didn’t have to worry about until like my 50’s. Wrong! I was also having perimenopause symptoms at age 36 and had no clue. Night sweats are normal right? NO!
Anyways, I’ve learned a lot the past few years and continue to be fascinated by the complexity of women’s hormones and how they change so much throughout our lives.
Men are the same 24/7. Mayyyybe they have low t issues at some point. Easy fix. Women’s hormones change 4 times a month and throughout these life transitions. We are complex creatures and our symptoms often result in men telling us we are crazy or emotional. Well it’s not entirely our fault. However, having these extreme mood swings and other symptoms are not “normal” it’s your body’s way of telling you something is out of sync.
But first lets understand our cycle a bit more. Our systems fluctuate in direct response to the rise and fall of our hormones each month. We aren’t static like men.
4 Phases of Your Cycle
Follicular
This phase is right after you’re done bleeding. This phase is often thought of as a fresh start as your estrogen starts to rise again. The follicular phase lasts around 7-10 days.
Ovulatory
A dramatic rise in estrogen offers as well as a rise in LH ( lutenizing hormone). This phase lasts around 3-4 days and often when you’ll feel your best as it’s known as a period of feeling social and communicative. Energy levels should be high in this phase.
Luteal
Typically lasting around 10-14 days and nearing the end of your cycle estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all reach their peak concentrations levels begin to fall to their lowest levels right before you menstrate. Your metabolism naturally speeds up during this phase and can cause more sugar cravings and consuming complex carbs like sweet potato and brown rice during this phase can help curb cravings.
Menstrual
Estrogen completely plummets at this phase which lasts typically 3-7 days. Then the cycle repeats itself. Make sure you’re getting adequate protein and healthy fats during this phase and hormone levels are at their lowest. I personally eat more red meat during this phase 😉
What is Perimenopause
Typically takes place 35-45 years old and begins with a drop in progesterone levels and ends with drop in estrogen levels. This stage can last a decade and is the transition from your reproductive years to menopause. While your period can remain normal there may be clues that you’re entering this phase: mood, weight gain, sleep issues, sex drive, energy levels, and memory. There can also start to be changes in your cycle length, flow, color, etc. that are clues things are changing. Towards the end of perimenopause you’ll notice notice your periods get shorter, unpredictable, and eventually stop. Menopause is the day you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Your ovaries are retired!
From what I’ve read and understand perimenopause is a lot tougher than actual menopause. Perimenopause can be a chaotic period, but understanding what your body is going through and working to stabilize hormones you can get though it with less drama hopefully!
What Labs to Ask Your Doctor About
First ask for a blood panel: CMP, CBC, Ferritin, Thyroid panel (free T3, TSH, reverse T3), cortisol, DHEA. Also ask for omega6:3 ratio and a complete hormone panel. Lastly, ask for a full hormonal panel: estrogen, estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH, testosterone/DHEA, and AMH.
Book Recommendations
I really like Dr. Sara Gottfried’s books and The Hormone Fix by Dr. Anna Cabeca. I also like In the Flo by Alisa Vitti.
Your Questions
I feel like doctors throw peri menopause out as an excuse for other symptoms rather than digging to find a root cause. Do you agree?
I think there are so many symptoms a women in her mid to late 30’s and early 40’s women experience that can be cause my hormone imbalance. It doesn’t mean you’re struck with suffering from these symptoms even if it’s the beginning of perimenopause. Getting to the dietary or lifestyle cause of the imbalance or root cause of the symptom is key. Many symptoms can be dramatically minimized with nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Mood swings for two weeks before my period are extreme. Normal?
Extreme and severe PMS symptoms are not normal and definitely a reason to get your labs checked and work with a doctor. We are taught that these symptoms are normal and to just deal with it.
Is increase sweating a symptom? I feel like I hit 35 and it got way worse.
Sadly, night sweats are a symptom of perimenopause. Acupuncture helped me so much with this! So many symptoms can be managed through diet and lifestyle.
I hope this helps provide you with a little more information and knowledge to advocate for your health. I encourage you to find a knowledgeable doctor or ND, get thorough labs drawn, and get to the root cause of your symptoms. Like I said before, medication isn’t always necessary or should be the first strategy to balance hormones. Nutrition, supplements, exercise, sleep, function, and other lifestyle behaviors play a significant role in how our hormones function. Acupuncture also helped me significantly when I was going through my fertility issues and realized I was having perimenopause symptoms and hormones were whack.
xx, A
