The Nu Guide: Perimenopause
Perimenopause. A phase also known as ‘what is happening to me and why does it feel like everything is changing?’
If you’re in your late 30s to mid-40s and finding yourself unusually tired, moodier than usual, or just not feeling quite like yourself, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. You could be experiencing perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It’s a hormonal rollercoaster that can take even the most grounded among us by surprise.
Let’s break it down, so you know what’s going on in your body—and why your family might be quietly wondering what happened to the you they knew a few years ago.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the phase where your hormones—particularly estrogen and progesterone—start to fluctuate in unpredictable ways. The age this starts to happen varies from person to person but could happen in your late 30’s or early 40’s. It can last anywhere from a few months to more than a decade before you officially reach menopause, which is marked by 12 consecutive months without a period.
Once you hit menopause, you move into post-menopause. That’s when the hormonal upheaval begins to settle, and symptoms often reduce or shift. But perimenopause? That’s the wild ride, and it's where most of the intense symptoms show up.
What’s happening to me?
You might have noticed your cycles are changing—sometimes shorter, sometimes longer, sometimes heavier. Maybe your sleep is unpredictable, or you're waking up drenched in sweat. Perhaps your energy has dipped, your patience has worn thin, or your sex drive has all but disappeared.
These are all signs of perimenopause, and according to our earlier article, the Nu Guide to Menopause Symptoms, the range is vast. Some of the more common ones include:
Irregular periods
Night sweats and hot flashes
Mood swings or increased anxiety
Weight gain, particularly around the middle
Brain fog or forgetfulness
Low libido or vaginal dryness
Joint pain
Fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to fix
And while some symptoms may be manageable, others can disrupt your daily life, your relationships, and your sense of self.
How does it affect my relationship and my family?
It’s not just you noticing the changes.
Your partner might be quietly confused about your loss of interest in intimacy. Where there was once spontaneity and touch, there may now be distance and discomfort. This isn’t about falling out of love, it’s often due to the hormonal drop that affects libido and natural lubrication, making sex uncomfortable or even painful.
Your kids might have picked up on your mood swings, shorter fuse, or emotional fragility. You may find yourself crying over a broken shoelace or snapping in a way that surprises even you. These are real emotional responses driven by fluctuating hormones and disrupted sleep, and they can feel like they are completely out of your control.
The hormonal changes happening are significant, and no one taught us how to talk about it. Nu Natural is here to help change that!
Why has my libido disappeared?
One of the most common and frustrating symptoms of perimenopause is the sudden disappearance of sexual desire. This can be linked to several biological and emotional factors:
Hormonal changes: Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all influence libido. As they decline, so too can your interest in sex
Vaginal dryness or discomfort: Lower estrogen levels affect vaginal tissue, often causing dryness, irritation, or a feeling of tightness during intimacy
Fatigue and stress: If you’re exhausted and overstimulated, desire is likely the last thing on your mind
Emotional disconnect: The identity shifts that come with this phase—getting older, changing body image, mood changes—can leave you feeling out of touch with your own sensuality.
Many women feel ashamed or broken when their libido fades. But this is a normal and treatable part of perimenopause. Talking openly with your partner, using a suitable lubricant (like the 100% natural products from Nu Natural), and seeking support from healthcare professionals can all help you navigate this part of the journey.
You are not alone
One of the most important things to remember is that perimenopause isn’t something to push through in silence. It’s a transition—just like puberty—and you deserve support, information, and care as you move through it.
Start by getting familiar with the full range of symptoms listed in this Nu Guide. It’s empowering to see your experiences reflected, and it may help you advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office or in conversations with your loved ones.
Talk to your partner. Let your kids know you’re working through something physical and emotional. And most of all, give yourself a break. You’re not falling apart, you’re shifting into a new phase of life, and with the right tools, you can move through it with clarity, confidence, and care.
