Slow is Fast #4: The Perimenopause Edition (& science-backed secrets)

Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Dressing (naturally high protein)

Mar 15, 2025

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Hey gals,

If you’ve been keeping up with my Slow is Fast series over the past month, you know I’ve been diving deep into how changing your mentality — and slowing down — can actually help us move forward faster and stronger, whether it’s with our metabolism, hormonal balance, or overall well-being.

We’ve covered the Slow is Fast approach to holistic Health and Wellness, Fertility AND Metabolism.

Now this may seem a little out of left field, but this week, in the fourth and final part, we’re taking that same approach and applying it to perimenopause. Okay, hear me out—perimenopause might not be on your radar yet, but trust me, this is worth knowing about.

I know it may seem silly to hear me talk about perimenopause, not having yet gone through it. But I find it fascinating, and I don’t think we women deserve to get caught off guard. And in today’s world, most women don’t understand the symptoms and what they can do in their lives to feel a little better.

This is a natural phase of life that needs to be talked about. The good news? Science shows that you can make this whole transition easier with the right info, mindset, and support, as well as getting ahead of the game and slowly learning about your body over time. And it’s helpful to start learning about it today for your long-term health and comfort.

I may not have experienced it yet, but I’ve witnessed other women in my life go through big shifts in their mood, their body’s ability, their memory and more. My stories are countless. I’ve watched many women I care for get frozen shoulder and tennis elbow, and not realize that it might have to do with their estrogen levels and other factors during perimenopause and menopause. (source 1, source 2)

It’s a conversation worth having early, so that it’s something we’re mentally prepared for, and we can do everything in our power to make it an easy transition when it comes.

And since I’ve been working closely for a while now with
Beth Bollinger
and other experts on this topic, and I’m excited to deep dive into it with you.

Beth Bollinger, me, and one of my BFF’s Chrissie working on The Blood Sugar Method — for perimenopause & longevity

If you’re in your late 30’s, mid 40’s, or even mid 50’s, are you noticing some subtle changes? Perhaps:

Your periods are less predictable
Your sleep feels off, but you can’t pinpoint why
Foods you used to love don’t sit right anymore

It’s nothing drastic at first—just a feeling that something is off.

If this sounds familiar, this could be a good indicator that you’re entering a new phase, called perimenopause. This phase before menopause is where hormones start fluctuating, metabolism adjusts, and—if we’re being really honest—things can feel SUPER unpredictable. It can be a confusing time, as you can still technically be entering perimenopause even if you’re still getting regular cycles. The worst part? Most women don’t realize they are in perimenopause until they start getting very clear symptoms and put the pieces together.

If you’re starting to realize that a few of your recent ailments might have a good reason behind them, and are starting to worry, there’s no need. There’s some good news: you don’t need to overhaul your entire life to feel better.

Instead of extreme diet changes, punishing workouts, or stressing over every symptom, the Slow is Fast approach is about small, steady shifts that support your body through the changes, not against them. Sound familiar?

Keep reading for:

Understanding what is actually happening
Eating for perimenopause & what actually helps
How to work out for your hormones
The sleep struggle and tips

Remember, friends: I’ve done the research along with experts so that you don’t have to. Get familiar so that you can get into a good rhythm wherever you are in life today, so that big hormonal shifts like this don’t come as an abrupt shock.

Menopause vs. Perimenopause: What’s the Difference?

Menopause = a clear stopping point for periods
Perimenopause = a gradual transition

Hormones don’t just drop overnight—they fluctuate. Perhaps one month, you feel fine. The next? Your cycle is unpredictable, your mood swings hit hard, and your sleep is a mess.

With your hormones affecting more than just your cycle, many women notice increased stress sensitivity, energy dips, brain fog and forgetfulness, blood sugar swings, and even changes in body composition (yes, that stubborn weight around the belly). It can be frustrating (and in some cases pretty confronting) when it feels like your body isn’t responding the way it used to…

But it’s best to try to approach this with adaptation in mind, rather than trying to “fix” yourself in a hasty way.

Kinda (source). One thing that isn’t talked about enough when it comes to perimenopause? How similar it is to a second puberty.

We tend to see menopause as this distant milestone, but perimenopause is the real transition, and it can last up to 10 years. Just like in your teenage years, your hormones are fluctuating, your body is adjusting, and some days, you might not feel quite like yourself. But unlike puberty, where we expect change, talk about it, are young and adaptable and get guidance—perimenopause is often met with confusion, unawareness and frustration.

The key shift? Instead of seeing it as something to fight, what if we approached it as a new chapter that deserves care, attention, and a fresh way of doing things? Because just like puberty, this isn’t about “losing control”—it’s about learning a new rhythm.

Biggest Perimenopause Mistake: Over-Restricting
Cutting calories won’t “reset” your metabolism—it actually makes things worse.

Instead, focus on:

Balancing blood sugar (so no more crashes & cravings)
Supporting digestion (fiber + whole foods = the best bet)
Fueling your hormones (give them what they need to regulate)

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