You’re not imagining it.
You’re not “just stressed.”
You’re not too young.
And you’re definitely not alone.
If you’re a woman in your late 30s to late 40s and starting to feel… off—emotionally, physically, or hormonally—it could be perimenopause.
But sadly, many women who gather the courage to bring it up to their doctors are told things like:
“You’re too young.”
“Your labs are normal.”
“It’s just anxiety or depression.”
“Hormones are dangerous.”
“There’s nothing to be done—just wait it out.”
These statements are not only outdated—they’re harmful. And that’s why we’re on a mission at Antigravity Wellness to change the narrative.
Even if you never work with us directly, we want you to have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to advocate for yourself at your next medical appointment.
First, What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause (which is defined as 12 months without a period). It can last 8–10 years, and often begins in your mid to late 30s or early 40s.
During this time, hormones fluctuate wildly—especially progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol—which can cause a wide range of symptoms that are often misdiagnosed or brushed off.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms
These are the ones we hear about most often (and yes, you can still have these even if your cycle is regular!):
- Irregular periods (shorter, longer, heavier, lighter)
- Night sweats / hot flashes
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or depression
- Mood swings or rage
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness or pain with intimacy
- Weight gain (especially around the belly)
- Fatigue / burnout
- Brain fog and memory issues
- Breast tenderness
- Migraines before your period
Less Common (But Still Related) Symptoms
These don’t always get tied to hormones—but often should be:
- Itchy skin or crawling sensations
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Dry eyes
- Increased UTIs or urinary urgency
- Hair thinning or shedding
- Sensitivity to stress
- Food intolerances or histamine reactions
- Crashing in the afternoon
- Feeling “wired but tired” at night
Conditions That Can Get Worse During Perimenopause
If you’ve already been diagnosed with any of the following, you may notice a flare-up or worsening during this hormonal transition:
- Anxiety and depression
- Autoimmune disorders (like Hashimoto’s or lupus)
- IBS or digestive issues
- Migraines
- PCOS
- Insulin resistance or prediabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- PMDD or PMS
These are not just coincidences. Your shifting hormones can impact every system in your body—from gut to brain to heart to skin.
Labs to Ask For
Even if your provider says you’re “too young,” you have every right to request a more complete look at what’s happening in your body.
Here are some labs we suggest asking for:
Hormone Panel:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone (drawn 5–7 days after ovulation if still cycling)
- Testosterone (free and total)
- DHEA-S
- FSH and LH (not always helpful alone, but still worth checking)
- SHBG
Thyroid:
- TSH
- Free T3
- Free T4
- Thyroid antibodies (TPO and TGAb)
Metabolic and Nutritional Markers:
- CBC and CMP
- Vitamin D
- Ferritin
- Iron Panel
- B12
- Homocysteine
- Fasting insulin and glucose
- HbA1c
- Lipid panel, including VLDL
- hs-CRP (inflammation marker)
You don’t need every lab at once, but these give a much more complete picture than the “everything looks fine” panel many women receive.
Questions to Ask at Your Appointment
Go into your appointment prepared with questions that open the door to conversation—not conflict. Here are a few suggestions:
- “Could my symptoms be related to perimenopause, even if my cycle hasn’t stopped yet?”
- “Are there safe hormone options to help me feel better?”
- “Would you consider ordering a full hormone and thyroid panel to rule out imbalances?”
- “Is there anything I can do with lifestyle, supplements, or nutrition to support this phase?”
- “If you don’t treat this, could you refer me to someone who specializes in perimenopause care?”
If You Feel Dismissed, Get a Second Opinion
You deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. If your doctor isn’t open to discussing your symptoms seriously, it’s okay to seek care elsewhere.
- If you live in Washington or Oregon, you can book a Brief Initial Consult with Dr. Nicole Smith, DNP, FNP-C at Antigravity Wellness to explore your symptoms and lab options.
- If you live outside those states, we recommend visiting www.menopause.org to find a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP) near you.
- You may also find more supportive care through functional medicine providers, naturopathic doctors, or women’s health nurse practitioners.
We’re On Your Team—No Matter Where You Get Your Care
At Antigravity Wellness, we believe every woman deserves:
- Clear information about her body
- Empowered guidance to make confident decisions
- Real solutions that go beyond “wait it out” or “take this antidepressant”
Perimenopause is not the end—it’s a transition. And with the right support, it can be the beginning of your most vibrant, powerful chapter yet.
Download: “How to Talk to Your Doctor About Perimenopause” Checklist
We’ve created a printable, take-to-your-appointment guide with:
- A symptom checklist
- A lab request list
- Questions to ask
- Space to jot down your doctor’s responses
Click here to download your free copy.
Need More Support?
🎁 Start with our FREE 5-Day Hormone Reset Mini-Course
Learn how to take control of your hormones naturally and feel like yourself again—even if your provider hasn’t connected the dots yet.
Get it here: https://social.antigravitywellness.com/mini-course-freebie
👩⚕️ Live in WA or OR? Book a Brief Initial Consult with Dr. Nicole Smith
Get clarity, compassion, and a custom plan to support your hormones—without the gaslighting.
Book a call here: https://l.bttr.to/6lFHL
You’re not crazy.
You’re not too young.
You’re in perimenopause—and we’re here to help.
