For many women, one of the most confusing parts of perimenopause isn’t a hot flash or a changing menstrual cycle, it’s the feeling of “I just don’t feel like myself.”
You might feel more anxious than usual, become irritated by things that once rolled off your back, have difficulty concentrating, or notice that your usual ways of coping don’t seem to work as well. Some women experience sadness, decreased motivation, changes in confidence, or a greater sense of overwhelm.
These changes can be especially unsettling when there doesn’t seem to be an obvious reason for them. It may feel more confusing when other women may say, “That’s just how it is once you get to menopause” or “It’s a natural process. You just have to deal with it”.
Your Physical and Emotional Health Are Connected
During perimenopause, fluctuating hormones can affect systems involved in mood, sleep, energy, and emotional regulation. At the same time, physical symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, headaches, changes in your body, and sexual health concerns, can take an emotional toll.
Sleep is a good example. If night sweats or insomnia repeatedly interrupt your rest, you may begin the next day already depleted. When you’re exhausted, concentrating can be harder, emotions may feel closer to the surface, and everyday stressors can become more difficult to manage.
Then there is everything else happening in midlife.
Many women are simultaneously managing careers, relationships, children, aging parents, shifting responsibilities, and questions about identity and aging. Perimenopause doesn’t occur in isolation from these experiences. Physical changes, emotional changes, and life stress can overlap in complicated ways.
Supporting Yourself Through the Transition
It can help to begin by getting curious rather than critical about what you’re experiencing. Pay attention to patterns in your sleep, mood, stress, physical symptoms, and menstrual cycle. Prioritizing movement, nutrition, rest, social connection, and stress management can also support emotional well-being.
Most importantly, you don’t have to dismiss significant changes as something you simply need to “push through.”
Consider talking with a healthcare provider about new or disruptive physical and emotional symptoms. Therapy can also provide a supportive space to address anxiety, mood changes, relationships, body image, sexuality, identity, and the stresses that often accompany this stage of life.
Self-care strategies can be valuable, but they aren’t a substitute for professional support when you need it. If perimenopause or menopause is affecting your mental health or quality of life, reaching out for help can be an important part of caring for yourself during this transition. Click here to schedule a consultation or appointment to see if therapy can help you with this transition.