“What the heck is going on with my body?” Perimenopause.  Part 1.      

Hey Ladies! When you walk into the gym and ask “What the heck’s going on with my body? Can you help?” WE HEAR YOU! Let’s talk about perimenopause and what’s happening to your body, mind and emotions.

(And guys, if you want to better understand the aging women in your life, you might want to read on, too.) 

Why Are We Talking About Perimenopause?

At CrossFit Renaissance, many female clients reach out to us when their bodies begin to change. They are looking for help to combat the changes happening—weight gain, fatigue, joint aches, and more. We can help in many ways, but before we get into those, it’s important to first understand what is happening. 

When we are armed with knowledge, the steps forward become clear.  We can better frame up what changes are within our control, and what actions we can take to can help us (and our “new” bodies) feel fit, strong, and confident again. Not surprisingly,  motivation quickly follows.  

So let’s dig in!  

Why Perimenopause Feels Like a Mystery

Perimenopause often feels like stepping into unfamiliar territory – or someone else’s body! Many of us experience changes in our bodies that leave us wondering, “What is happening to me?” For generations, our grandmothers, mothers, and aunts rarely spoke about it.  

Now it feels like everyone is talking about perimenopause!  Yet the sheer volume of information—much of it conflicting—can feel overwhelming. And often, even conversations with physicians can feel like a dead end.  

Before we continue, understand that we aren’t doctors, or the experts in hormones, but rather curious and motivated individuals who want to cut through the BS  that is out there.  We believe this is important  in order to put together a science backed approach to fitness and nutrition that supports aging women at our gym. 

Let’s cut through the noise together to understand what’s really going on so you feel empowered to take a proactive approach to your own wellness..

The Science Behind Hormonal Changes

At its core, perimenopause is a period of transition marked by fluctuating hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These shifts affect every part of our lives, from metabolism to mood. Declining estrogen levels, for example, contribute to slower metabolism, disrupted sleep, joint aches, and changes in brain chemistry that impact mood and cognition. Understanding these connections helps us make sense of the physical, mental, and emotional changes we’re experiencing.

Physical Changes That Take You by Surprise

1. Weight Gain: The decrease in estrogen and progesterone, along with aging in general, triggers metabolic changes in the body. One change is a decrease in muscle mass.  As muscle mass declines, basal metabolic rate slows. If fewer calories are being burned, fat accumulates, particularly around the abdomen. Genetics, lack of sleep and a sedentary lifestyle play a role as well. It can be a vicious cycle. We lose muscle tone and accumulate more fat as our metabolism is slowing down, contributing to more weight gain. And that cycle continues. (https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/womens-health-articles/menopause-weight-gain-hormone-therapy)
   
2. Fatigue: Hormonal shifts disrupt circadian rhythms and can lead to poor-quality sleep. Add to that the daily demands of our busy lives, and it’s no wonder energy levels feel depleted.  On top of hormonal fluctuations, stress plays a significant role during perimenopause. Cortisol, our stress hormone, often becomes elevated as we navigate this life stage. When our bodies remain in a state of “sympathetic dominance” (fight or flight), it can exacerbate fatigue, mood issues, and even weight gain. Learning how to intentionally shift to a “parasympathetic” (rest and digest) state is key to managing these symptoms effectively.  More on that in Part 2!
3. Joint Aches and Pain: Estrogen plays a role in reducing inflammation and maintaining cartilage health. As levels decrease, we may notice stiffness, soreness, and increased discomfort in our joints.

Mental and Emotional Changes

1. Mood Swings and Anxiety: Hormonal changes impact neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood. This can lead to feelings of irritability, sadness, or heightened anxiety.
2. Brain Fog: Many of us experience difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or feeling mentally “cloudy” as hormone levels fluctuate. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work together to keep you clear-headed. These hormones contribute to blood flow in your brain, which helps protect against memory loss and dementia. If just one is out of balance, it impacts your ability to mentally function.
3. Loss of Motivation or Identity: It’s common to feel disconnected from our routines or even our sense of self. These changes can feel isolating but are a natural part of this stage of life.

Perimenopause is a complex and deeply personal journey, but understanding these changes is the first step toward reclaiming control. 

In Part 2, we’ll explore actionable steps to help you feel strong, energized, and confident in your body again.

If you want to sit down with one of our professional coaches to map out a plan, book your No Sweat Intro today! We’d love to help you in 2025! Click here to schedule.