The Symptoms No One Warned Me About: My Perimenopause Story
A personal look at the slow unraveling that no one prepared me for — and what helped me feel like myself again
At first, it was just little things.
I’d lose my train of thought mid-sentence.
Sleep, which used to be my sanctuary, turned unpredictable and patchy.
I started snapping at people over the smallest things, and then feeling completely disconnected and ashamed after.
My clothes didn’t fit right anymore, no matter what I ate or how much I exercised.
Some days, I’d wake up and barely recognise the face in the mirror.
I told myself it was just stress. Work was full on. Life was busy. Maybe I was just getting older.
But deep down, something didn’t feel right.
When Your Body Starts Speaking a Different Language
The most frustrating part was the lack of answers. I went to my GP, mentioned the mood swings, the weird cycle changes, the sleep issues. I was told it was probably stress, maybe early menopause, and handed a brochure. No real explanation. No real support.
No one told me that perimenopause could start in your late 30s or early 40s.
No one warned me that it might show up as anxiety or brain fog, not just hot flushes.
No one said the hormonal shifts could mess with everything from digestion to memory to motivation.
It felt like I was slowly losing control of a body I used to know well.
The Moment I Decided to Try Something Different
One night, after yet another restless sleep and a morning full of tears I couldn’t explain, I started researching naturopathic approaches to hormone health. I wanted something that made sense. Something that didn’t dismiss how I was feeling.
That’s when I found Nicole and Natured Wellness. Her approach immediately stood out — practical, evidence-based, and most importantly, she actually talked about perimenopause like it was real, complex, and treatable.
I booked a clarity call.
Finally, Someone Who Got It
From the first few minutes of chatting to Nicole, I felt something shift. She listened without rushing. She understood what I meant when I said I felt like a stranger in my own body. She didn’t minimise my symptoms or suggest that I should just “ride it out.”
Instead, she explained how the hormonal shifts of perimenopause can impact mood, memory, energy, weight, skin, sleep — the whole lot. She talked about oestrogen and progesterone imbalances, adrenal load, and why my blood tests kept coming back “normal” even though I felt anything but.
Most importantly, she gave me hope. Not the kind that comes with a magic fix, but the kind that comes from feeling truly understood and having a plan.
Building Back Balance, One Step at a Time
Over the following months, we worked together on a plan that felt completely tailored to me. It included:
Nutritional support to help balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation
Herbal medicine for emotional steadiness, better sleep and energy
Supplements to support hormone detox and adrenal resilience
Realistic lifestyle adjustments that didn’t add pressure to my already full plate
The option for functional hormone testing, which we used to confirm what was really going on
There was no “one size fits all” approach. Just steady support, clear explanations, and real care.
What I Wish More Women Knew
Perimenopause isn’t a one-symptom issue. It doesn’t always announce itself with hot flushes and missed periods. It sneaks in as anxiety, fatigue, bloating, irritability, and emotional chaos — and if you’re not expecting it, it can feel like you’re falling apart for no reason.
What I’ve learned is that you’re not broken, you’re not weak, and you’re not alone.
Perimenopause is a real and valid health transition. And with the right guidance, it’s something you can work through — not just survive, but grow through.
If You’re Wondering If This Is You
Trust your instincts. If you’re feeling off and not getting answers, there’s support available.
Nicole offers a limited number of free 15-minute clarity calls each week. If you’d like to talk through your symptoms or just see if naturopathic care is the right fit for you, I highly recommend reaching out.
