Menopause: When Your Body Changes the Rules Without Telling You

Let’s talk about menopause and her equally confusing opening act, perimenopause.

One day you’re living your normal life, and the next you’re:

• Sleeping with one leg out of the covers like a rotisserie chicken

• Googling “why am I sweaty but cold at the same time”

• Wondering why your energy, skin, libido, and patience all packed up and left together

If you’ve ever thought, “I feel like myself, but… not?” you’re not alone. Menopause isn’t just about missed periods. It’s a full-body plot twist.

The good news? You’re not broken, dramatic, or “just getting old.” Your hormones are shifting, and with the right support, a lot of the chaos can be managed.

Let’s break it down.

Hot Flashes: Suddenly Living in a Personal Sauna

Hot flashes can feel like someone flipped an internal switch you didn’t consent to. Your face turns red, your body overheats, and you’re sweating through clothes while everyone else is perfectly fine.

This happens because estrogen plays a role in temperature regulation, and when it starts fluctuating, your internal thermostat gets confused.

How nutrition helps:

• Balanced meals help stabilize blood sugar, which can reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes

• Adequate protein and healthy fats support hormone signaling

• Reducing excessive caffeine and alcohol can make a noticeable difference

Small adjustments can go a long way toward fewer spontaneous heat waves.

Sleep Issues: Tired but Wired

You’re exhausted… yet wide awake at 2:37 a.m. Or you fall asleep easily and wake up feeling like you didn’t sleep at all.

Hormonal shifts can impact:

• Melatonin production

• Cortisol levels

• Night sweats and temperature regulation

How nutrition helps:

• Consistent meal timing helps regulate cortisol

• Enough calories (especially carbs) can improve sleep quality

• Evening routines paired with steady nutrition support deeper, more restorative sleep

No, it’s not “all in your head.” Your body is trying to recalibrate.

Energy Levels: Why Does Everything Feel Harder?

Low energy during perimenopause and menopause isn’t laziness or lack of motivation. Hormonal changes affect how your body uses fuel, recovers from stress, and produces energy.

If you’re under-eating, skipping meals, or constantly “starting over” with restrictive diets, fatigue often gets worse.

How nutrition helps:

• Enough total calories support metabolic health

• Protein helps preserve muscle and energy

• Balanced carbs fuel your workouts, brain, and daily life

Food becomes fuel again, not the enemy.

Skin Changes: When Your Reflection Feels Unfamiliar

Dry skin, loss of elasticity, breakouts that feel wildly unfair at this age… estrogen affects collagen production and skin hydration.

How nutrition helps:

• Healthy fats support skin integrity

• Adequate protein supports collagen and tissue repair

• Micronutrients matter more than ever

Your skincare routine matters, but what you eat matters too.

Libido Changes: Let’s Normalize This Conversation

Lower sex drive is incredibly common and incredibly frustrating. Hormones, sleep, stress, body image, and energy all play a role.

It’s not a personal failure. It’s physiology.

How nutrition helps:

• Stable blood sugar supports hormone balance

• Enough fuel improves energy and mood

• Reducing chronic stress through proper nourishment helps libido naturally rebound over time

No shame. No guilt. Just information and support.

Why Having a Coach Who Understands Perimenopause Matters

This stage of life is not the time for extreme dieting, punishment workouts, or being told to “just eat less and move more.”

A coach who understands perimenopause and menopause helps you:

• Adjust nutrition without fear or restriction

• Train smarter, not harder

• Navigate body changes without panic

• Create realistic expectations during hormonal shifts

Instead of guessing, spiraling, or blaming yourself, you get a plan that works with your body, not against it.

You’re Not Losing Control, Your Body Is Evolving

Menopause isn’t the end of feeling strong, confident, or energized. It’s a new chapter that requires a new approach.

With the right nutrition, thoughtful training, and guidance from someone who understands this phase of life, you can feel like yourself again… just wiser, stronger, and maybe a little sweatier at times.

And yes, we’ll laugh about it together.