Perimenopause: What’s Happening to Me?

One minute you’re fine. The next, you’re crying in traffic, wide awake at 3AM, or arguing over nothing with someone you love. Your cycle is unpredictable. Your patience is thin. Your jeans don’t fit like they used to.

If this sounds like you, you’re likely in perimenopause and we’re here for you.

At Ask Dr Olz, we see women every day who are dismissed by conventional medicine, told it’s “just stress” or “part of aging.” But perimenopause is real, and the way you feel is valid.

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening and how to get back to balance.

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What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, when your hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone—start to fluctuate wildly.

It can begin as early as your mid-30s, though most women notice changes in their 40s. This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years.

During perimenopause, ovulation becomes inconsistent, which leads to:

• Estrogen dominance
• Progesterone decline
• Cortisol and insulin imbalances
• Thyroid sensitivity

This hormonal chaos is what causes the symptoms so many women struggle with.

Common Symptoms of Perimenopause

• Irregular or heavy periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Insomnia or waking at 2–4AM
• Mood swings, irritability, anxiety
• Weight gain (especially around the belly)
• Brain fog and poor memory
• Low libido or vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue—even after 8 hours of sleep

Sound familiar?

Why Am I Just Being Told to “Wait It Out”?

Because most conventional doctors don’t test hormones unless your periods have completely stopped and even then, they often say “it’s normal.”

But normal doesn’t mean optimal.

At Ask Dr Olz, we don’t wait for your labs to hit rock bottom. We look at the whole picture: your symptoms, history, stress levels, lifestyle, and subtle shifts that signal a deeper imbalance.

What You Can Do About Perimenopause

1. Balance Estrogen and Progesterone Naturally

Natural strategies include:

• Supporting liver detox pathways
• Using calming herbs like ashwagandha (available in Exhilarin®)
• Promoting gentle hormone metabolism with nutrients like DIM (in EstroFactors®)
• Supporting adrenal and thyroid health

2. Target Nutrient Deficiencies

Low magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, and vitamin D are common and worsen perimenopausal symptoms. Functional testing and targeted supplements can make a world of difference.

3. Support Stress Resilience

Chronic stress steals progesterone and spikes cortisol, which worsens mood, sleep, and weight gain. Adaptogens and nervous system support are crucial.

4. Track Your Symptoms—Not Just Your Periods

Even if your cycle is still “normal,” your symptoms tell the real story. If you’re not feeling like yourself, that’s reason enough to seek help.

Functional Support for Perimenopause

At Ask Dr Olz, we support women in perimenopause with carefully selected, practitioner-grade products like:

• EstroFactors® – supports estrogen metabolism
• Exhilarin® – helps manage stress and cortisol
• Mag Glycinate – supports mood and hormone health
• Vitamin D3 1000 IU – boosts immune and hormone balance
• MamaPlus® – a complete micronutrient option for reproductive-age women

Plus, we offer expert virtual consults to personalise your hormone support protocol.

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“Working with Dr Olz changed everything. I went from feeling invisible and exhausted to calm, clear, and finally like myself again—even in the middle of perimenopause.”
– Ask Dr Olz client

You Deserve Support—Not Suffering

You don’t have to wait until menopause to feel better.
You don’t have to settle for mood swings, low energy, and disrupted sleep.

Perimenopause is not a breakdown—it’s a hormonal shift.
With the right support, it can be a time of clarity, renewal, and deeper self-understanding.

Ready to Take Back Control?

👉 Book a virtual consult with Dr Olz
👉 Explore our perimenopause support collection
👉 Enjoy FREE shipping on orders over R750 anywhere in South Africa

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