Perimenopause isn’t just “PMS on steroids.” It’s a full-spectrum hormonal recalibration — and if you’re in your 40s (or late 30s) wondering why your body suddenly feels foreign, you’re not alone.
The truth is, your hormones are trying to talk to you. The question is: are you listening?
Here are six of the most powerful hormones that start going a little rogue during perimenopause — and what their “symptoms” are really trying to say.
We often think of testosterone as the “male hormone,” but women need it too — especially for:
As testosterone starts to decline in perimenopause, you may feel:
If you’re feeling like your fire has dimmed, testosterone might be whispering: “Hey, I need some support.”
Progesterone is your calming hormone. It balances estrogen and helps you feel:
But as you enter perimenopause, progesterone is usually the first to dip. That’s when the anxiety, racing thoughts, and restless sleep creep in.
If you’re wide awake at 2 a.m. spiraling over what-if scenarios, progesterone is waving a red flag.
Leptin helps regulate hunger and satiety. In perimenopause, leptin resistance can occur — which means your brain no longer gets the signal that you’re full.
This leads to:
If you feel like you’re always hungry (especially at night), leptin might be knocking on your door.
High stress = high cortisol. And perimenopause? It’s basically life on hard mode, with more responsibilities and less hormonal resilience.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels cause:
You may feel “wired but tired” — and that’s cortisol crying out for nervous system regulation.
Your sensitivity to insulin declines in perimenopause, even if your diet hasn’t changed.
As estrogen drops, insulin resistance creeps in, making it harder to:
If weight gain has become your new normal despite your best efforts, insulin could be playing a major role.
Estrogen doesn’t just regulate periods — it affects:
As estrogen levels dip and fluctuate, you may experience:
Estrogen isn’t being dramatic — it just needs a little extra love and support to help you feel like you again.
If you feel like you’re living in a body you don’t recognize, remember: your hormones are not your enemies — they’re messengers.
Instead of trying to fight your symptoms, start decoding them:
From testing to lifestyle adjustments to targeted supplements or therapy, you have options. And best of all — you’re not alone.
➡️ Share this with a fellow woman in her 40s who needs to hear that she’s not broken — she’s just in perimenopause.
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