Blog Self

Managing Perimenopause

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Hey loves! It’s been a while since I last posted, and I want to take this opportunity to reconnect and share what’s been going on in my life. If you’re like me—balancing the demands of a full-time job, running a business, and managing your health—you know how challenging it can be to keep everything in balance. This past year has been a whirlwind, full of ups and downs, and I’m here to talk about some of the personal health challenges I’ve faced while managing perimenopause.

The Challenges of Managing Perimenopause and Weight Gain

Managing perimenopause—it’s a word that many of us don’t fully understand until we’re living it. Think of it as the period before menopause where a woman’s body starts to make less estrogen, which can lead to irregular periods and various symptoms. It’s like a gradual shift or a pre-game before the final event of menopause, and it often starts in a woman’s 40s but can begin earlier. During this time, you might experience changes in your menstrual cycle, hot flashes, mood swings, and other changes as your body adjusts.

For me, managing perimenopause has been marked by unexpected hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, and a whole host of other symptoms. Like, WHY do my shoulders hurt? Both of them, LOL. My metabolism seemed to slow down overnight, and the pounds started to creep on, especially around my midsection. As someone who has always been active and conscious of my health, this is and has been incredibly frustrating. My period comes when it wants. Literally, I thought I was in full-blown menopause after not having it for six months, and then boom – hello Aunt Flo, thanks. Of course, now I have to wait a whole new 12 months to see if I’m actually headed in menopause.

Healthy high-protein meal for managing perimenopause symptoms.

At soon to be 51, I have to tell you it’s been challenging. Night sweats, low energy, not feeling like myself. I cry at anything and find myself withdrawn from wanting to be around other people. In addition to perimenopause, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My thyroid was overactive, which added another layer of complexity to my health journey. It made losing weight that much harder and then it was just an uptick from there. It felt like my body was working against me, and it was tough to find the energy to stay active and motivated.

Taking Control of Managing Perimenopause: A New Chapter

But I wasn’t ready to give up. For those that know and follow me, I am not the chic who cosigns on prescription drugs. My philosophy is through diet and exercise, more than 80% of our chronic illnesses can be reversed. I knew I needed to take a more focused approach to managing perimenopause. I started by making small, manageable changes—changes that I could stick with and that would fit into my busy life. It’s a daily struggle and I had to come to the reality that our health will forever be a journey. So, here’s how I started to get back on the right track of loving myself enough to be healthy again.

Walking Daily: I made a commitment to walk every day. Even if it was just for 20 minutes, getting outside, feeling the sun against my skin, and moving my body became a non-negotiable part of my routine. Walking not only helped me stay active but also gave me time to clear my mind and reduce stress. Getting out in nature heals, it changes mood and it changes mindset. Facts!

Focusing on Protein: Protein became a bigger focus in my diet. I learned that as we age, our bodies need more protein to maintain muscle mass and support overall health. I made sure to include high-quality protein in every meal, which helped keep me fuller longer and fueled my body. For me, my goal weight is 150lbs, so I’m really trying to make sure I’m getting about 150g of protein daily. It’s cut out the need to snack because I’m full.

Staying Hydrated: I started drinking more water—a lot more water. Staying hydrated made a huge difference in my energy levels, skin, and even my digestion. I’m primarily a water drinker, but because I telework, I can go all day without drinking let alone go to the bathroom. I made it a point to drink at least 90 ounces of water a day, this is a struggle and I’ve had to get tough with myself. Play the pee game, you know, if it’s real yellow, that’s bad – drink! and if it’s pretty clear, you’re getting enough water. I also try to count to 10 when I drink, instead of sipping. Seriously, what’s a sip going to do?

Balanced Diet: I also began to pay more attention to the quality of my food. I focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods that supported my thyroid health and helped balance my hormones. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into my diet made a noticeable difference in how I felt. I had to be honest with myself and lay off the alcohol and Chick-fil-A drive-thru. Mornings involve either a protein smoothie, greek yogurt, or overnight oats. Those are my go-to’s! For lunch, that’s when I’ll have a protein with a carb and a veggie. Then for dinner it’s just a protein and veg. That cocktail for meals has been the most supportive to my weight loss. But do what best works for you!

Natural Remedies for Perimenopause: Alongside these strategies, I explored natural remedies for managing perimenopause, such as herbal supplements like black cohosh and red clover. These remedies have been helpful in easing hot flashes and supporting hormonal balance. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. I’m really not a supplement person however I do feel like because of our food system in this country, we’re not getting all the vitamins and minerals we need each day.

The Results: A Healthier, Happier Me

Last month, I went back to the doctor for a check-up, and the results were better than I could have hoped. My thyroid levels came back normal, and many of the perimenopausal symptoms that had been bothering me had subsided. It was a huge relief to see that the changes I made were paying off. See, my mom was mad that I didn’t go to the doctor and get on thyroid meds. In my heart, I knew that a lot of this was due to my perimenopause choices with diet and exercise and I knew it could be reversed by me making different choices.

But more than the physical changes, I feel more in control of managing perimenopause and my overall well-being. It hasn’t been easy, and I still have days when I struggle, but I’ve learned that small, consistent efforts can lead to big results over time. You don’t always need to a pill to fix you. You can fix you.

Looking Ahead: Embracing This New Season

As I continue on this journey of managing perimenopause, I’m excited to share more about what I’m learning and how I’m managing to stay healthy while juggling all the demands of life. My boys are no longer teenagers, and watching them grow into young men has been an incredible experience. They inspire me every day to keep pushing forward, to keep dreaming, and to never give up on my health goals. I’m walking into empty nest years and there’s so much I want to see, do, and be, so I’m not giving this stage of my life control over what God has planned for me.

If you’re going through something similar, know that you’re not alone. Managing perimenopause, weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, thyroid issues—they’re all challenging, but they’re also manageable with the right approach. I hope my story encourages you to take small steps toward your health goals, whatever they may be.

Here are some helpful tips and products that might support you along your perimenopausal journey:

1. Daily Walks and Exercise:

Fitness tracker and walking path for managing perimenopause and thyroid health

2. Protein-Rich Diet:

3. Hydration:

4. Thyroid Health and Wellness:

5. Comfort and Self-Care:

HealthyHome Reed Diffuser used for self-care during perimenopause management.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon. Let’s continue to support each other on this journey to better health and well-being!

Stay well,

xoxo – Coach Robbin