What you can do about how perimenopause affects your energy

Many women don’t notice the small changes that happen at the start of perimenopause.  You have trouble sleeping, your energy drops in the afternoon, and you get mood swings or are more irritable.  These changes are connected to lower levels of estrogen and progesterone.  Lower levels affect how well your adrenal glands work and how well your cells make energy.  Hormones may be starting to change if you’re in your late 30s or 40s and feel “off” even though you haven’t changed anything about your life.

Changes in hormones during this time can also change how your body responds to stress, your blood sugar, and the quality of your sleep.  All of these things have a big effect on how tired or energized you feel.  Acting quickly helps keep your metabolism, mood, and energy levels up throughout the day.

One important thing to do is to help your adrenal glands stay healthy.  Ashwagandha and other herbs may help reduce stress, and meals that are balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats may help keep blood sugar levels stable.  You can also feel better by making sleep a priority by having a regular bedtime routine and staying away from screens at night.

Strength training is very useful.  It helps keep bones and muscles healthy, which often get worse at this stage, and it also helps control insulin and speed up metabolism.  Adding B vitamins, especially B12, helps the body make energy and keeps the nervous system healthy.

It’s not just “getting older” that makes you tired during perimenopause.  Your body is showing that your hormones are changing.  You can stay energized, balanced, and strong well into the next stage of life if you understand these changes and do something about them.

Before you start taking supplements, changing your diet, or starting a new exercise routine, always talk to your doctor.  Your plan should be based on your health and what you need.