The Quiet Symptoms of Peri menopause Most Women Miss — Until It Affects Their Weight

Most of us grew up thinking menopause was a single moment — your period stops, and then life goes on. But the truth is, the real transition begins years before that moment, in a phase called peri menopause. And unlike the dramatic hot flashes people joke about, peri menopause usually starts with small changes that don’t feel “big enough” to mean anything.

You just feel… a little different. A little off. A little less like yourself.

And because the early symptoms are quiet — almost whisper-like — most women don’t recognize what's happening until it begins affecting their metabolism, mood, cravings, energy, and overall progress.

Let’s talk about the signals most women overlook.

Symptoms of Peri Menopause

1. Irregular or Heavier Periods (When It Doesn’t Feel “Normal” to You)

Peri menopause can bring unpredictable periods — heavier, lighter, longer, shorter. But here’s the problem: many women get dismissed when they bring this up.

I went through this myself. After 40, my cycles changed dramatically — heavier bleeding, more pain, and a feeling that something just wasn’t right. A few doctors told me it was “just your age.”

One suggested a hysterectomy on the spot.

But my intuition kept saying: No, something is off.

When I finally found a provider who actually listened, they did a proper sonogram. That’s when we discovered I had nine fibroids, some quite large. That was my story — but for other women, these same symptoms can be caused by low estrogen, low progesterone, thyroid issues, or a combination of all three.

The point? Don’t ignore cycle changes, and don’t let anyone talk you out of advocating for yourself.

Symptoms of peri menopause to look for:

• Periods that suddenly become heavier

• Cycles becoming shorter or longer

• New or worsening pain

• Patterns that feel “off” compared to your normal

  
  

2. Weight Gain — Especially in the Midsection

This is usually the first sign women notice. You’re not overeating. You’re not being “lazy.” But your waistline feels different.

Here’s why: During peri menopause, estrogen dips — and that changes how and where your body stores fat. Weight tends to shift from the hips and thighs to the stomach, and even a small hormonal imbalance can slow metabolism.

Research shows women can gain 1–1.5 pounds per year during this transition, even if nothing else changes in their lifestyle. And because we naturally lose muscle after 30 (3–8% per decade), metabolism slows even further.

This is not your fault. It’s physiology.

What to look for:

• Belly weight that wasn’t there before

• Clothes fitting differently around the waist

• Slower progress despite consistent effort

3. Sleep Changes, Mood Shifts & Odd Cravings You Can’t Explain

This is where a lot of women start blaming themselves — thinking they “lack discipline. ”Not true.

Hormones directly influence your sleep cycle, mood-regulating neurotransmitters, hunger hormones, and your stress response.

When estrogen and progesterone fluctuate:

• Sleep becomes lighter or disrupted

• Cravings — especially for sugar and carbs — intensify

• Anxiety or irritability shows up out of nowhere

• Emotional “ups and downs” feel more pronounced

It’s not because you’re moody or lacking willpower. It’s your body adapting to hormonal shifts happening behind the scenes.

What to look for:

• Waking up at 2–3 am for no reason

• Feeling “wired” but tired

• Evening carb cravings

• Sudden weepiness or irritability

4. Dry Skin, Thinning Hair & Random Aches That Weren’t There Before

Peri menopause affects more than just your reproductive cycle. Estrogen helps maintain collagen, joint lubrication, hair growth, and overall tissue elasticity.

When levels start changing, women often notice:

• Dry skin

• Hair shedding

• Brittle nails

• New stiffness or soreness

• Slower recovery from workouts

These are hormonal symptoms — not aging flaws.

What to look for:

• Feeling “stiff” when you wake up

• Needing more recovery time

• Breakouts or sudden dry patches

• Hair that feels finer than normal

5. Fatigue, Brain Fog & Slowed Workout Progress

This part can feel the most discouraging — especially when you’re putting in a ton of effort and not seeing results.

During peri menopause, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all fluctuate.

That can lead to:

• Chronic fatigue

• Trouble concentrating

• Slower recovery

• Strength plateaus

• Feeling “tired but wired”

These symptoms are so common that 40–60% of midlife women report them. They can show up years before your period stops — which is why people often miss the connection.

What to look for:

• Feeling exhausted despite sleeping

• Forgetfulness

• Needing more time to bounce back after workouts

• Doing the same routine but seeing fewer results

So What Do You Do When Everything Feels Off?

Here’s the most important thing I want you to take away: You are not imagining your symptoms. And you are not “failing.”

If your body feels different, it’s because it is different. Hormones start shifting quietly at first, and if you’re not aware of the signs, it’s easy to blame yourself.

Here’s how to support yourself:

• Get a full thyroid and hormone panel (not just TSH)

• Look for patterns in your sleep, mood, cravings, and energy

• Preserve muscle with strength training

Support recovery with mobility, sleep, balanced macros and vitamins/supplements, ( I have attached links to the ones I recommend:

Myofiber, Multivitamin, Collagen, Aminos,Protein Powder

Most importantly: if a doctor dismisses you, get a second opinion

You deserve to feel heard. You deserve answers. And you deserve a plan that supports your body through every chapter of midlife.

In Case You Needed to Hear This Today

Peri menopause doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it shows up as a tiny ache… a mood shift… a stubborn five pounds… sleep that doesn’t refresh you… or cycles that don’t make sense.

These early signals aren’t random. They’re your body saying: Pay attention. Something is shifting.

And when you understand those shifts — and respond with awareness, self-compassion, and support — everything gets clearer. Your progress, your energy, your weight, your mood… it all starts to make sense again.

Going through all of this myself is one of the reasons I’m building specialty programs for women over 40 — especially those in peri and menopause who need more personalized support. These programs will be launching soon, so stay tuned.