Are You in Perimenopause? Here's How to Know & What You Can Do About It
Are you feeling off, but can’t quite put your finger on why?
Maybe your periods have changed. Your mood is all over the place. You're waking up at 3am with a racing heart or staring at the ceiling wondering who you’ve become. Maybe you're just tired of feeling tired… and your old ways of coping aren’t working anymore.
If you’re in your late 30s to mid-40s, perimenopause could be the reason…and you’re definitely not alone.
As an herbalist who specializes in perimenopause, I work with women every day who feel dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed by this powerful hormonal shift. And I’m here to tell you: this is not the beginning of the end… it’s the beginning of your becoming.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the natural transition before menopause, when your hormones - especially estrogen and progesterone - begin to fluctuate wildly. It’s not a sudden stop, but a years-long unraveling and reshaping of your body’s hormonal rhythm.
It can begin as early as your early/mid-30s and last 2 to 12+ years. Many women are in it long before their doctor ever brings it up.
Common Signs You’re in Perimenopause
You don’t need a hormone panel to know something’s shifting. Your body is already speaking - are you listening?
Irregular or heavier periods
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety
Brain fog and forgetfulness
Night sweats, hot flashes, trouble sleeping
Burnout, fatigue, or sudden sensitivity to stress
A deep inner knowing that something’s changing… even if no one else sees it
If any of this resonates, you're likely in perimenopause. You’re not crazy. You’re changing. You’re becoming even more you.
What’s Actually Happening in Your Body?
The truth is, your hormones aren't just declining, they're fluctuating. Some days, estrogen is higher than it’s ever been. Other days, it crashes. Ovulation becomes inconsistent, which means your calming hormone, progesterone, also drops. This creates what’s known as estrogen dominance - one of the key players behind heavy periods, breast tenderness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Your nervous system becomes more sensitive, your brain chemistry shifts, and your stress response gets amplified. Simply put - all of your internal systems are impacted by your hormones. And if you’ve been running on empty for years, you may be feeling it all at once.
What About HRT?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the main allopathic doctor’s answer to perimenopause. And while it can absolutely be a helpful option for some women in certain situations… it should never be the bandaid approach. This is a huge shift in your body and herbs are able to support your balance much better than a singular hormone.
But HRT isn’t a magic fix—and it’s not always accessible, recommended, or desired.
Here’s a table snapshot of HRT v HErbs for Perimenopause:
Whether or not you choose HRT, your body still needs support WAY beyond sex hormones… nourishment, rhythm, and regulation. That’s where herbal medicine and holistic care can truly shine.
Why Herbal Support Is the Game-Changer in Perimenopause
Here’s the part no one talks about enough:
Herbal support isn’t just about symptom relief. It’s about reconnecting to your body, your intuition, and the deep wisdom of the Earth. It’s about remembering that your body knows how to transition - when it’s supported.
And when you work with an herbalist like me, you’re not doing this alone or guessing your way through the supplement aisle (in fact, I HIGHLY discourage self-dosing herbs medicinally). You're getting:
Herbs that match your body, not just your symptoms
Plants that soothe your nervous system, restore sleep, balance your hormones, nourish your cells and support your liver
Insightful, intuitive guidance that honors both the physical and energetic shifts you’re experiencing
A deeper relationship with the plants and rituals that hold you through this threshold
This work is gentle, profound, and transformational. I know I’m biased, but in my opinion EVERY WOMAN in perimenopause should be working with me for custom herbal protocol. You will come alive in ways you didn’t know possible!
Many of my clients say:
“I had no idea how much herbal support could change the way I feel. I feel like myself again!!”
Working With Me: Your Options for Support
Let me just tell you - plants WORK for perimenopause (and your doctor’s not going to tell you about it). How do I know? I’ve experienced it myself and have rolled out this very intentional container for my clients who are seeing insanely amazing results as well. WITHOUT being on HRT.
So, whether you're brand new to herbalism or already on the plant path, I offer two nourishing containers to support your perimenopause journey:
1:1 Rooted Wellness Packages - 12 Week Custom support
Deeply personalized herbal care + intuitive insight + ongoing support
We’ll create a custom protocol that meets your unique needs - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ll also receive coaching and nervous system tools to help you feel more stable, connected, and confident.
The Perimenopause Herbal circle: A Group Program
A 12-week guided journey through the symptoms, science, and soul of perimenopause
This is a space for connection, learning, and healing. We explore herbs, Earth-based practices, nervous system support, hormone literacy, and the deeper spiritual initiation of this season… all within a supportive community of women walking this same path (customized herbal medicine in a group setting).
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
This is a threshold moment. One that deserves reverence and reconnection to your body… not dismissal. It’s time we stop pathologizing midlife and start celebrating the power of this transition.
You deserve support that sees all of you - not just your hormones.
You deserve a plan that goes beyond coping - and into thriving.
If you’re ready to work with your body instead of fighting it, let’s walk this path together.
Book Your Perimenopause Support Journey 1:1 or Group
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Perimenopause isn’t a breakdown. It’s a breakthrough.
Let herbs, Earth wisdom, and deep support guide you home to yourself.
About the Author:
Taylor Short, of Harmonious Return is an Intuitive Herbalist, Writer & Nature Connected Coach. She specializes in Perimenopause, Mental & Emotional Health support by partnering with the Ma. She’s passionate about breaking women out of the pill-crazed bandaids and tapping into the wisdom of the earth and your body’s natural healing abilities so you can step out of barely hanging on… to fully blossoming and thriving in your full, authentically balanced self!