My Perimenopause Experience: When I Didn’t Feel Like Myself Anymore

Perimenopause wasn’t something I expected to hit me as hard as it did. Like many women, I assumed it would be a gradual, manageable transition. Instead, it felt like my body and mind changed almost overnight—and I was left wondering what happened to the woman I used to be.

If you’re a woman over 40 feeling disconnected from yourself, struggling with sudden physical and emotional changes, I want you to know this: you’re not alone.

Perimenopause and the Feeling of Suddenly Aging

One of the most unsettling parts of perimenopause was the sense that I was suddenly aging so quickly. It felt like my body had skipped ahead several years without warning. I didn’t recognize my energy, my resilience, or even my reflection anymore.

This wasn’t just about appearance—it was about identity. I no longer felt fully like me, and that loss can be incredibly disorienting.

Loss of Strength During Perimenopause

I also experienced a noticeable loss of strength. Movements that once felt easy became challenging. Workouts that used to empower me suddenly felt frustrating.

At the time, I blamed myself. But what I’ve since learned is that hormonal shifts during perimenopause can significantly impact muscle mass, recovery, and overall strength, especially if we don’t adjust how we support our bodies during this stage of life.

Thinning Hair and Changes in Appearance

Hair thinning was another difficult change. It may seem small to some, but for me, it was deeply emotional. Our hair is so closely tied to how we see ourselves, and watching it thin felt like another reminder that my body was changing without my consent.

Perimenopause has a way of quietly chipping away at confidence if we don’t understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

Emotional Changes: Stress, Optimism, and Mental Load

Emotionally, I felt different too. I was more stressed—often overwhelmed by things that never used to bother me. I noticed a shift in my outlook, feeling less optimistic and more weighed down by daily responsibilities.

This wasn’t a mindset problem. Fluctuating hormones during perimenopause can affect mood, stress tolerance, and emotional resilience, and recognizing that was a turning point for me.

Extreme Hot Flashes and Feeling Out of Control

Then there were the hot flashes.

These weren’t mild inconveniences. They were extreme, intense waves of heat that came on suddenly and left me feeling dizzy, flushed, and at times like I might pass out. My heart would race, my body felt out of control, and it was genuinely frightening.

For many women, hot flashes during perimenopause are more than uncomfortable—they can be disruptive, exhausting, and isolating.

Why We Need to Talk More About Perimenopause

What made all of this harder was how little it’s talked about. From the outside, everything looked fine. But inside, I was struggling—quietly wondering why no one had prepared me for this phase of life.

Perimenopause isn’t a failure of willpower, discipline, or self-care. It’s a biological transition that deserves understanding, compassion, and better support.

A Message for Women Over 40

If you’re experiencing:

• Not feeling like yourself anymore

• Sudden aging or loss of strength

• Thinning hair

• Increased stress or emotional changes

• Extreme hot flashes

Please know this: you are not broken. Your body is changing, and with the right information, tools, and support, it is possible to feel strong, confident, and vibrant again.

At Radiant and Ageless, my mission is to help women thrive—not just survive—through perimenopause and beyond. This season of life may look different, but it can still be powerful, healthy, and deeply fulfilling.

You are not alone. And you are absolutely not done.