Is this perimenopause… or is something else going on?
It’s one of the most common questions Dr. Mariza hears from women in their late 30s and early 40s, especially when their periods are still regular and they’ve never experienced a hot flash.
In this solo episode, Dr. Mariza breaks down why early perimenopause can be so difficult to recognize and the less obvious signs that often appear first, including exhaustion, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, sleep changes, worsening PMS, migraines, and changes in stress tolerance.
She shares three important clues for identifying a possible perimenopause pattern: looking for clusters of symptoms, noticing changes from your normal baseline, and tracking how symptoms change throughout your cycle.
But hormones aren’t always the entire story. Dr. Mariza also explains why thyroid dysfunction, low iron, metabolic issues, nutrient deficiencies, sleep problems, and other conditions deserve investigation, even when perimenopause is part of the picture.
Plus, you’ll learn how to track your symptoms and walk into your next healthcare appointment prepared to ask better questions.
Listen now to connect the dots, understand what your body is telling you, and get clearer on your next steps.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why so many women over 35 aren’t sure whether they’re in perimenopause
The early perimenopause symptoms women often mistake for stress or burnout
Why you can be in perimenopause while still having regular periods
The three clues Dr. Mariza uses to recognize a perimenopause pattern
Why tracking changes from your personal baseline matters
How your menstrual cycle can reveal patterns in mood, sleep, migraines, and energy
What else to investigate, including thyroid, iron, metabolic health, and sleep
How to advocate for yourself when your labs look “normal” but you don’t feel like yourself
QUOTES
“Stop looking at the one symptom that proves you’re in perimenopause. Start looking at the collection of clues and patterns that your body is exposing.”
“Perimenopause doesn’t usually show up with a giant flashing sign.”
“Hormones may be a huge part of the picture without being the entire picture.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution
http://drmariza.com/book
Comprehensive Perimenopause Lab Guide
Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now
https://drmariza.com/trial
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750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman
650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond
