Hot Flashes, Weight Gain, Brain Fog? Let’s Talk Perimenopause

If your body feels like it’s shifting in a hundred directions at once, you might be in perimenopause—and chances are, no one has explained it properly.

This transition period before menopause can begin as early as your mid-30s or 40s and last up to a decade.

📉 What’s happening?

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate wildly, affecting every part of your body and brain. You may experience:

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Mood swings or anxiety

• Brain fog or forgetfulness

• Sleep disturbances

• Weight gain (especially around the midsection)

🧬 Scientific Insight:

Estrogen helps regulate serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter, as well as metabolism, fat storage, and even cognitive function. When estrogen and progesterone levels drop or fluctuate, your brain, body, and emotions feel it.

But here’s the empowering truth:

Perimenopause isn’t the end of your vitality—it’s a chance to realign and reclaim your health. At Functional Medicine of Tennessee, we guide women through this phase with bioidentical hormone therapy (when appropriate), nutrition support, gut health balancing, and stress management.

It’s not “just part of aging.” It’s your body asking for support—and we’re here to help.