Perimenopause: What No One Tells You About the Root Causes

Perimenopause: What No One Tells You About the Root Causes

Perimenopause has become the silent storm in many women’s lives. For some, it’s a barely noticeable shift. For others, it’s a hormonal hurricane complete with mood swings, hot flushes, brain fog, low libido, anxiety, hair loss, insomnia, dry skin, and the creeping thought: “Is this just how it is now?”

Perimenopause is not the beginning of the end. It’s a transition, and when we support our bodies the right way, it can be a powerful, even energising phase of life.

Let’s dive into what’s really going on, the common root causes that are often missed, and the natural steps that can help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and spark.

First, What Is Perimenopause (Really)?

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause (which is defined as 12 months without a period). It typically begins in your late 30s or early 40s and can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years.

According to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, nearly 90% of Australian women experience perimenopausal symptoms, with the average age of onset being 45.5 years.

Yet many women are told it’s “normal” to feel off, or worse, they’re offered synthetic hormones, antidepressants or birth control pills as the only option.

The Real Root Causes Behind Perimenopausal Symptoms

Hormone decline is only part of the picture.

Here are some of the most common underlying imbalances that cause symptoms to feel worse than they need to:

1. Nutrient Deficiencies

• Magnesium: Crucial for nervous system regulation and sleep. A deficiency can increase anxiety, irritability, and night sweats.
• Vitamin D: Supports hormone production, mood and immune health. Low levels have been linked to depression and fatigue.
• B Vitamins (especially B6, B9, B12): Needed for energy, cognitive function, and methylation (detoxing excess oestrogen).
• Zinc: Important for hormone balance, skin health, immunity, and thyroid support.
• Iodine: Essential for thyroid hormones and breast health (a commonly missed deficiency in Australia).

According to Gary Brecka and Dr Lara Briden, most of these can be corrected through smart supplementation, sun exposure, and targeted wholefood nutrition.

2. Blood Sugar Instability

Spikes and crashes in blood sugar can increase cortisol, worsen anxiety, disrupt sleep and magnify hot flushes. Dr Amy Shah teaches that managing insulin is a key part of hormone harmony, especially during this phase of life.

3. Low Progesterone

In perimenopause, ovulation becomes less frequent which means less progesterone is produced. This can lead to:

• Heavier or irregular periods
• Mood swings, anxiety and insomnia
• Water retention and breast tenderness

Dr Marcus Cirelli often notes that progesterone is a natural anti-anxiety hormone, so when it drops, symptoms often mimic high cortisol or even depression.

4. Unaddressed Stress + High Cortisol

Chronic stress depletes progesterone and raises cortisol, leading to weight gain, poor sleep, mood swings and thyroid issues. Gary Brecka reminds us that unless you address your nervous system, you’ll keep running on empty no matter how well you eat.

5. Poor Gut Health

Gut dysbiosis can interfere with oestrogen detoxification (through the estrobolome) and create excess inflammation. Dr Jaban Moore and Dr Paul Saladino both stress the gut-hormone connection, especially in women with bloating, IBS or food sensitivities.

The Symptoms We Don’t Talk About Enough

• Hair thinning or shedding
• Dry, ageing skin or adult acne
• Vaginal dryness
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Palpitations or anxiety upon waking
• Memory lapses or brain fog

These aren’t just “getting older” symptoms. They’re signs your body is crying out for support, which is not all bad, as we can fix this!

Natural Remedies to Rebalance and Thrive

Eat for Hormone Stability

• Prioritise protein at every meal (especially breakfast).
• Eat slow carbs like sweet potato, pumpkin, or basmati rice and always pair with protein or fat.
• Avoid excessive snacking and sugar, which disrupt blood sugar and hormones.

Minimise Xenoestrogens

These are fake oestrogens from plastics, perfumes and chemicals that disrupt your hormonal balance. Choose low-tox beauty, cleaning and skincare products (see my swaps in this blog article).

Support Liver + Gut Detox Pathways

• Consider a GI Map test if you have persistent gut symptoms
• Support your liver with dandelion tea, leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and supplements like NAC, magnesium and B-complex
• A wholefood probiotic (like For Her) can help rebuild the gut-brain-hormone axis from the ground up

Adaptogens + Nervous System Support

• Ashwagandha, rhodiola or tulsi for stress resilience
• Magnesium glycinate or CB2 before bed (I take the latter and sleep like a baby)
• Deep belly breathing, sunshine, grounding and morning movement

Supplement Smart

• Magnesium (glycinate or threonate)
• Activated B-complex
• Iodine (in safe amounts under guidance)
• Zinc + selenium
• Vitamin D + K2
• For Her Probiotic daily for gut and hormone synergy

You Don’t Need to Suffer

Perimenopause can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when no one around you is talking about it, or worse, you’re told “it’s just part of ageing.”

Your body is wise and with the right tools, you can support this transition and feel more like your former self again.

This phase isn’t the end either, it’s the beginning of deeper strength, clarity and vitality.

Want a powerful place to start? My 7 Day Hormone Healing Meal Plan gives you the exact meals, nutrients and rhythm to start balancing your body naturally, no calorie counting, no tracking, just real food and real support.

Click here to download it now.

And if you’re ready to work on the gut-hormone connection? Start with For Her Probiotic – the one supplement I recommend to every woman over 35 who’s feeling off.

Let’s make perimenopause powerful 💕