Hormonal Fluctuations during Perimenopause
As hormonal imbalances receive long-overdue attention, menopause—and its transitional phase, perimenopause—are becoming better understood. By the mid-40s, most women begin their journey toward menopause. For some, the transition lasts only a few years; for others, it can stretch up to a decade. During this time, key hormones such as progesterone and estrogen fluctuate, triggering a wide range of unwanted symptoms. Thankfully, with today’s scientific advancements, many of these effects can be supported and eased for a smoother transition.
If you are in your mid-40s, you may already have noticed common perimenopausal symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, and increasingly irregular menstrual cycles—both in timing and flow.
While menopause marks a single point in time—defined medically as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period—perimenopause is the multi-year transition leading up to it. After menopause, hormones generally stabilize. It’s the years before menopause, however, that tend to feel the most delicate and disruptive, as hormonal shifts impact not only the reproductive system but many other physiological functions.
Hot flashes are some of the symptoms we might experience during perimenopause.
Why These Symptoms Happen
For example, hot flashes and episodes of excessive sweating occur because fluctuating estrogen levels disrupt neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus—the brain’s internal thermostat. As estrogen and progesterone spike one day and drop the next, it’s common to experience mood swings, restlessness, sleep disturbances, slower metabolism, digestive discomfort, weight gain, joint pain, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido. These changes are not “just in your head”—they reflect real biochemical shifts.
How Do You Know If You’re in Perimenopause?
Along with symptoms, age is one of the strongest indicators. Most women enter perimenopause around age 45 and reach menopause in their early 50s. Irregular cycles—longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter—are also strong signs along with many others.
Blood tests can offer additional clarity. Estradiol (the dominant estrogen during reproductive years) and FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, can help identify whether you’ve entered this phase. As estrogen declines, FSH rises to stimulate the ovaries, making elevated FSH a common marker of perimenopause.
What You Can Do
If you’re frequently experiencing unusual physical or emotional symptoms, many clinics now specialize in hormonal health and offer a range of treatment options—from topical estrogen creams and vaginal gels for dryness to evidence-based antidepressants that can help regulate mood and improve sleep.
Lifestyle shifts also play a major role. Nutrition, stress reduction, and consistent movement can significantly improve symptoms. But sometimes, additional support is needed—and that’s where targeted supplements can help.
Science-Backed Support
Backed by research and third-party testing, Semaine Health has developed a Perimenopause supplement designed to support women through this transition. It features natural, science-backed ingredients such as:
Red Clover – traditionally used to help ease hot flashes and mood swings
Bergamot & Olive Extract – supportive for metabolism and overall vitality
Skin-supportive botanicals – to help reduce dryness and inflammation
If you’re exploring natural ways to feel more balanced during perimenopause, this gentle, plant-based support may help you feel more like yourself.
Try it and let us know how it works for you!
