Perimenopausal Symptoms You Didn’t Know Were Hormonal

A guide to the strange, sneaky, and often overlooked signs your hormones are shifting

Introduction:

You’re not losing it.

You’re just in perimenopause.

That sounds flippant — but for so many women, it’s a relief to hear. Because when your body starts doing things that don’t “make sense,” it can feel confusing, frustrating, and even scary. Especially when your doctor tells you everything is “normal.”

But here’s what’s actually normal:
Hormones start shifting quietly, sometimes a decade before menopause. And the symptoms aren’t always the classic hot flashes or night sweats. Many are subtle. Strange. Or completely unexpected.

Let’s decode the symptoms you didn’t realize were hormonal — so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start supporting your body through this transition.

🌪️ First — Why These Symptoms Fly Under the Radar

Most women are taught that menopause happens in your 50s and involves a few hot flashes and your period stopping. But perimenopause? That’s the decade before menopause when your hormones are fluctuating wildly.

Estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones all start to shift — and because they affect every system in your body (from brain to gut to skin), symptoms can show up in surprising places.

Let’s take a look.

😵‍💫 1. Anxiety That Comes Out of Nowhere

If you’ve suddenly started feeling panicked in the car, overwhelmed by small tasks, or dreading things you used to enjoy, you’re not alone.

🧠 Estrogen plays a key role in serotonin and GABA regulation — the neurotransmitters that keep you calm and centered. When estrogen fluctuates, your mood can spiral.

What helps:

• Magnesium glycinate in the evening

• Stabilizing blood sugar with protein-rich meals

• Calming herbs like ashwagandha or passionflower

🦴 2. Joint Pain and Body Aches

Suddenly feel stiff when you get out of bed? Or like your knees aged 10 years overnight?

Estrogen helps reduce inflammation and keeps tissues supple. As it dips, aches and pains can creep in — especially if you’re also dealing with sleep disruption or stress.

What helps:

• Gentle mobility exercises (like DDPY or yoga)

• Omega-3s and anti-inflammatory foods

• Magnesium and turmeric supplements

🪥 3. Bleeding Gums or Dental Issues

Yes — your gums may be trying to tell you your hormones are shifting.

Estrogen helps maintain collagen in the gums and mucosal tissues. Its decline can lead to gum sensitivity, bleeding, or even receding gums. It’s why dentists often notice perimenopause symptoms before doctors do.

What helps:

• Soft brushing and flossing

• CoQ10 and vitamin C for gum support

• Avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes

🛏️ 4. Insomnia or Waking at 3AM

Sleep becomes a minefield in perimenopause. You may fall asleep fine but wake wired and sweaty in the early hours.

That’s because estrogen and progesterone both help regulate sleep, while cortisol can spike overnight when blood sugar crashes or you're under stress.

What helps:

• A protein-rich bedtime snack

• Blue light blockers after 7pm

• Magnesium and L-theanine before bed

💭 5. Brain Fog, Forgetfulness, or “Losing Words”

If you've ever found yourself mid-sentence thinking, “Wait… what was I saying?” — you're in good company.

Estrogen is neuroprotective and enhances verbal memory. As it dips, you may feel foggy, unfocused, or just not as sharp.

What helps:

• B vitamins, especially B6 and B12

• Reducing multitasking (seriously!)

• Restorative sleep and mindful breaks

💩 6. New Food Sensitivities or Digestive Upset

Digestive enzymes decline with age — and estrogen influences gut motility and the microbiome. Many women suddenly notice bloating, reflux, or IBS-like symptoms.

What helps:

• Bitters or digestive enzymes before meals

• A probiotic with targeted strains

• Eating slowly and mindfully

😡 7. Sudden Rage or Tearfulness

One moment you’re fine. The next you’re snapping at your partner, crying over a commercial, or feeling like a volcano about to erupt.

This emotional reactivity is deeply hormonal — especially when estrogen drops suddenly around ovulation or just before your period.

What helps:

• Charting your cycle to spot patterns

• Journaling or mood tracking

• Saying no to over-scheduling (especially in the luteal phase)

🔁 8. Cycle Changes You Brush Off as “Stress”

Perimenopause is the beginning of the end of ovulation — and your cycles will reflect that. Earlier periods. Later periods. Heavier bleeding. Spotting. All of it is common — and all of it is hormonal.

What helps:

• Cycle tracking with apps like Clue or MyFlo

• Seed cycling or herbal support

• Gentle iron support if bleeding is heavy

🎯 The Bottom Line: You’re Not Imagining It

You’re not too sensitive. You’re not overreacting.
Your body is shifting — and it’s asking you to pay attention.

Perimenopause is a transition, not a disease. And with the right information, support, and lifestyle shifts, you can move through it with more clarity, confidence, and ease.

📘 Want a deeper understanding?

👉 Read this next: Everything You Need to Know About Perimenopause → 

(A comprehensive guide to the phases, what’s happening under the surface, and how to support your body through each one.)

💌 Your Next Steps

🎯 Not sure where you are in the transition?
👉 Take the quiz: Is It Perimenopause — or Something Else?
You’ll discover which stage you’re in — like Whispers & Warnings — and get a free stage-specific guide to start balancing your hormones naturally.

🌿 Ready for deeper support?
👉 Join the waitlist for the Hormone Harmony Hub — your space for clarity, confidence, and calm through every stage.

👩‍⚕️ About the Author

Simone Burke, N.D. is a Naturopathic Doctor and Hormone Health Educator who helps women navigate the physical and emotional changes of perimenopause with clarity and compassion. Through her signature membership, the Hormone Harmony Hub, she supports women in balancing hormones naturally and reclaiming their vitality.