Symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause:

 

What’s Normal & What’s Not, and How to Feel Better Naturally

 

Introduction: 

Hot flashes. Mood swings. Sleepless nights. Fatigue. If you're in your 40s or 50s and wondering why your body feels so different, you're not alone. These symptoms may be signs of Perimenopause or Menopause—and while they're common, they are not something you just have to live with.

In Episode 2 of Empowered Menopause, Dr. Gabrielle Francis breaks down the wide range of symptoms that can occur during this hormonal transition, helping you understand what’s really going on in your body and how to restore balance using a natural, holistic approach.

Menopause Is Not a Disease

Dr. Francis emphasizes that Perimenopause and Menopause are not diseases, but natural phases of life. However, our modern lifestyles—characterized by stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and environmental toxins—can make the transition more difficult. The symptoms you're feeling are not random; they're signs of imbalance that can be addressed with the right support.

Common Perimenopause Symptoms

Many women begin noticing symptoms in their 40s, sometimes even earlier. These include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Decreased libido or vaginal dryness
• Weight gain or bloating

These symptoms are often due to fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, as well as imbalances in adrenal and thyroid hormones.

The Role of Hormones in These Symptoms

As Dr. Francis explains, the root of many Perimenopause and Menopause symptoms lies in hormonal fluctuations:

• Hot flashes & night sweats are triggered by surging or dropping estrogen levels.
• Mood swings, anxiety, and depression can be linked to progesterone and cortisol imbalances.
• Fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog often point to adrenal stress or thyroid dysfunction.

Understanding which hormones are out of balance can help you target the root cause—instead of just treating the symptoms.

Sexual Health and Menopause

Many women are surprised to experience changes in their sexual health during this transition. Vaginal dryness, discomfort, and a decrease in libido are common, and they’re often tied to low estrogen and testosterone levels.

Dr. Francis emphasizes that there are natural ways to support vaginal and sexual health, from herbs and lubricants to hormone-balancing therapies. The key is open conversation and personalized care.

Weight Gain: It's Not Just Willpower

One of the most frustrating symptoms women face during this time is weight gain, particularly around the midsection. Dr. Francis explains that this is often due to:

• Blood sugar dysregulation
• Thyroid slowdown
• Increased cortisol from chronic stress

She encourages women to look beyond dieting and focus on healing the root imbalances for sustainable, healthy weight management.

Getting to the Root Cause

Symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, depression, and even fertility issues can have multiple underlying causes. Dr. Francis encourages women not to assume that every symptom is "just menopause."

It’s important to rule out:

• Thyroid disease
• Adrenal dysfunction
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Chronic infections or inflammation

Functional testing can help pinpoint the imbalances and guide a tailored wellness plan.

Takeaway: You Deserve to Feel Good

Perimenopause and Menopause are part of your evolution—not a sentence to suffer. By tuning into your symptoms, testing your hormones, and embracing natural tools for support, you can navigate this phase with more grace, vitality, and empowerment.

 

🎥 Watch Episode 2 here 

 

Stay tuned for Episode 3: 

Hormone Testing and Building a Menopause Wellness Team.

 

Keywords:

 perimenopause symptoms, menopause symptoms, hot flashes, hormone imbalance, sleep issues menopause, menopause weight gain, natural menopause relief, mood swings menopause, Dr. Gabrielle Francis, Empowered Menopause