Let's Talk About Perimenopause: Signs, Timing, and Gentle Support for the Journey
- Evelin Bandeira
- May 6
- 3 min read
For many women, including me, the word menopause feels distant, like something reserved for your 50s. But what if I told you that the transition — known as perimenopause — can begin much earlier? Sometimes even around 35?
And since I started to feel different, no doctor was able to tell me what it could be until I read about it. So this is why I decided to write about it because many women have no idea what's going on with them.
Welcome to a softer, more informed way of looking at this natural hormonal phase. Whether you're noticing subtle shifts or are just curious about what lies ahead, this guide is here to support you with awareness, tools, and gentle practices to walk this path with grace.
What Is Perimenopause, Really?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. It can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years. While menopause is officially marked by 12 months without a period, perimenopause is where the real roller coaster happens — hormonally, emotionally, and physically.
When Can It Start?
While the "average" age is early to mid-40s, some women begin experiencing signs in their 35s or early 40s, especially those under chronic stress, recovering from illness, or with a family history of early menopause.
This early perimenopause is often misdiagnosed or brushed off. But tuning in to your body can make all the difference.
Early Signs to Watch For
Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, but here are a few early, often overlooked signs:
Irregular or heavier periods
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Mood swings or anxiety
Sleep disruptions or early waking
Brain fog or memory blips
Decreased libido
Changes in digestion or bloating
Vaginal dryness or UTIs
Weight fluctuations (especially around the midsection)
Gentle Ways to Support Your Body
The goal isn't to "fix" perimenopause — it’s a natural phase. But supporting your system can ease the transition:
1. Regulate Stress + Restore Your Nervous System
Perimenopause is highly sensitive to stress hormones. Practices like meditation, yin yoga, breathwork, or walking outdoors can help regulate your cortisol and support hormonal balance.
2. Eat to Nourish Hormones, Not Punish Your Body
Focus on whole foods, healthy fats (like avocado and flax), fiber, and complex carbs. Don't fear carbs — your body needs stable blood sugar now more than ever.
3. Try Gentle Movement Instead of Overtraining
Perimenopausal bodies often respond better to low-impact, strength-focused, or holistic workouts (like Ballates 😉), instead of excessive cardio or HIIT.
4. Check Your Gut Health
Estrogen is metabolized in the gut — and that’s where probiotics come in.
How Probiotics Can Help During Perimenopause
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating hormones — including how estrogen is broken down and recycled in the body.
Taking a quality probiotic can help:
Support digestion and reduce bloating
Improve mood and immune function
Regulate estrogen levels
Reduce inflammation
Support vaginal and urinary tract health
Look for strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, and consider adding fermented foods like kimchi, kefir (plant-based if needed), or sauerkraut to your routine. One of my favorite probiotics is the Synbiotic+ by Ritual, since it's super complete and also comes with prebiotics and postbiotics.
You Are Not Broken — You Are Becoming
Perimenopause isn’t the beginning of the end. It’s a new era of awareness, softness, and alignment. The more you know, the more empowered you feel. Women are cyclical, wise, and powerful — and deserve to walk this transition with support and self-compassion.
Ballates as a Gentle Support
Gentle, consistent movement can make a world of difference during perimenopause. Practices like pilates, ballet-inspired training, walking, and low-impact strength training help reduce cortisol, stabilize blood sugar, and support muscle tone — all of which contribute to hormone balance and mental clarity.
✨ If you're navigating this shift, you don’t have to go through it alone or in confusion.
The Ballates Method was designed with transitions like this in mind — blending mindful movement, deep core activation, and grace to reconnect you with your body and now includes a full module created specifically for this season: Ballates for the Shift.
This new track blends soft strength, mindful mobility, and deep core reconnection to help you feel grounded, elegant, and empowered — even as your body changes.
💌 Want to try it? Stay tuned for exclusive access inside the Ballates platform. Click here to find out more!
Comments