When we hear “perimenopause,” most of us think of hot flashes or night sweats. And yes—those can certainly show up. But what if the first signs are much quieter? What if they sound like this:

“I just don’t feel like myself.”

This is often the first thing women tell us at Roots to Branches. And honestly? We hear it all the time.

Maybe you’re more forgetful than usual. Maybe your emotions feel dialled up to 100, and sleep is suddenly elusive. Maybe you’ve caught yourself wondering, “Am I going crazy?”

You’re not. You’re likely in early perimenopause—a season of hormonal shifts that can feel like an emotional rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for.

Let’s unpack some of those sneaky early signs that might be making you feel off:

1. ???? Sleep is Messy

Falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up way too early? You’re not imagining it. Sleep disturbances are one of the most common early signs of perimenopause. And when you’re not sleeping, it’s harder to cope with… well, everything.

2. ???? Mood Swings That Feel Out of Nowhere

Irritability, anxiety, weepiness, or even bursts of anger—these emotional ups and downs can feel like they’re hijacking your brain. And since they often don’t follow a predictable pattern, it’s easy to feel like something is really wrong.

3. ????️ Brain Fog is Real

Losing your train of thought, forgetting words mid-sentence, or struggling to focus? That mental fog is another common sign that your body is shifting. And it’s not “just stress”—it’s a signal.

What’s Actually Going On?

As ovulation becomes less consistent, estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate. These hormonal shifts affect everything from your mood to your memory to your sleep. So, no—you’re not imagining things.

We like to say: “What you’re experiencing isn’t all in your head—it’s perimenopause.”

And while that might feel a little unsettling at first, there’s actually good

news…

You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Tough It Out

There are so many supportive, evidence-informed tools that can make a real difference. And no, hormone replacement therapy isn’t the only option.

At Roots to Branches, our Naturopathic Doctors look at the whole picture—your emotional wellbeing, nutritional habits, stress response, and more—to help you feel steady, supported, and like yourself again.

???? Ready to start feeling like you again?

Book a complimentary 10-minute discovery call with one of our Naturopathic Doctors to explore your next steps—judgment-free, jargon-free, and with your whole self in mind.

???? Book Here

Book a complimentary 10-minute discovery call with one of our Naturopathic Doctors to learn more ????

READ MORE

When Personal and Professional Collide

When Personal and Professional Collide

Are you stuck in the waiting game of infertility?  The waiting for 12-months of trying to conceive until you can get a proper workup?  The waiting to see an OB/GYN or fertility clinic?  The wait for recommended tests and investigation? I've been there too. I first...

8 Ways to Start Recovering from Chronic Stress

8 Ways to Start Recovering from Chronic Stress

Are You Running on Empty? How much do you have left in your tank? Do you feel like you are trying to run on empty?⁠ You read our last post on reduced exercise tolerance, and realized that you’ve been drawing more from your energy reserves than you have been putting...

Do You Get Tired After You Exercise?

Do You Get Tired After You Exercise?

Do you get tired after you exercise?  During this new routine of being home more, I thought it was the perfect time to build an exercise habit. For some reason, a nagging shoulder injury as one excuse, exercise is one healthy habit I have the hardest time being...

Women Who Will:  A Whole Health Program

Women Who Will: A Whole Health Program

Women Who Will:  A Whole Health Program There is an epidemic of women being exhausted.  I have seen it every day in my practice over the last 7 years,  and I’ve experienced it myself. The tricky thing about this epidemic is that often as women we don’t outwardly look...

Open House:  November 28th 6-8pm

Open House: November 28th 6-8pm

Join us for our Open House and Meet our Team!! The Details: * Presentation from 5:30-6pm:  Tired of Feeling Tired? Top 5 Ways to Increase Your Energy and Thrive (reserve your spot, spaces are limited) All are Welcome from 6pm - 8pm: Meet Naturopathic Doctors Dr. Tracy...

Tracy’s Three Words for 2019

Tracy’s Three Words for 2019

We are well into January, but I thought I would share 3 words I am focusing on for 2019.  As much as I believe we can create new "resolutions" any time of the year, there is definitely something very natural or intuitive to re-evaluating and reminiscing about the year...