I’ll be honest: I had no idea what pre-menopause really was until just a few months ago. I always thought it was something that happened way down the road, far from where I was. But now that I’m turning 40 this year, it’s like a switch has been flipped. Suddenly, I’m learning more about the changes my body is going through, and pre-menopause is a big part of it. If you’re like me and had no clue it was even a thing until recently, I get it—it can feel a little overwhelming.
But now that I’m approaching 40, I’m starting to experience these changes firsthand, and I’m realizing just how much pre-menopause can impact my body. Pre-menopause is the phase that leads up to menopause, and it’s not just one day you wake up and everything’s different. It’s a gradual process that can last for several years. During this time, your body experiences changes in hormone levels, and one of the most noticeable effects is on your sleep.
How Pre-Menopause Affects Your Hormones & Sleep
Pre-menopause typically starts around the age of 40 and can last for several years before menopause officially begins. During this phase, your body’s hormone levels begin to fluctuate. These changes can manifest in a number of ways, including:
-
Hormonal Imbalance: As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, you may experience mood swings, irritability, and increased stress.
-
Sleep Disturbances: Many women find that they experience difficulty falling asleep, night sweats, or waking up frequently during the night due to hormonal changes.
-
Fatigue and Low Energy: The combination of disrupted sleep and hormonal imbalances can leave you feeling more tired than usual.
-
Skin Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can also affect your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
Sleep Challenges During Pre-Menopause
One of the most challenging symptoms of pre-menopause for many women is trouble sleeping. As hormone levels fluctuate, it can become harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful, uninterrupted rest. This leads to fatigue, irritability, and general discomfort during the day. If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone.
If you’re struggling with sleep or stress during this phase, one product I’ve found particularly helpful is Calm Vibes Magnesium & Arnica Body Butter. The magnesium and arnica in the formula help relax muscles, ease tension, and reduce inflammation. Calendula is key in hydrating and soothing the skin, which is especially helpful for skin that can become irritated or dry during this time. Applying this body butter 20 minutes before bed to the soles of your feet, calves, neck, and shoulders can calm your body and mind, signaling that it’s time for rest. The soothing scent of neroli and sandalwood also promotes a sense of tranquility, helping you relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Supporting Skin Health During Pre-Menopause
Aside from sleep, pre-menopause can also cause changes in your skin, especially in terms of hydration. I’ve found that my skin gets drier and less supple, so I rely on nourishing products like Rejuvenate Organic Facial Oil to keep my skin moisturized and balanced. This oil contains jojoba and sweet almond oil, which provide deep hydration without clogging pores. I use it both in the morning and at night, and it leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and glowing. Plus, the combination of grapefruit, vanilla, and sandalwood essential oils helps soothe and calm my skin, giving me a refreshed complexion.
Exfoliate & Revitalize with Invigorate Coffee & Raw Honey Scrub
Another essential product in my routine is the Invigorate Coffee & Raw Honey Scrub, which helps keep my skin exfoliated and smooth. The finely ground coffee helps remove dead skin cells, and the raw honey locks in moisture, giving my skin that healthy, hydrated glow. Whether I’m using it in the morning to refresh my skin or as a part of a self-care ritual, this scrub has become a must-have for keeping my skin soft and vibrant.
Thyroid Health During Pre-Menopause
Lastly, it’s important to consider how thyroid health can affect our overall well-being during this time. Pre-menopause and hormonal fluctuations can put extra strain on the thyroid, which controls metabolism, energy, and other key functions. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, and even skin issues, which are common during pre-menopause. Supporting your thyroid with a balanced diet, stress management, and proper care is essential for maintaining energy levels and feeling your best. Some simple things you can do include:
-
Incorporating iodine-rich foods (like seaweed and fish) to support thyroid function.
-
Managing stress with relaxation techniques, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
-
Staying active with regular exercise to help balance thyroid function and maintain energy.
-
Ensuring adequate sleep (which, as we know, is crucial for thyroid health as well).
Managing Hormonal Changes Naturally
While hormonal shifts are a natural part of life, managing the symptoms of pre-menopause doesn’t have to be a struggle. Simple, natural solutions can help support your body during this time. Here's how you can nourish your skin, balance your hormones, and improve your sleep:
1. Support Your Skin with Natural Skincare
Our Calm Vibes Magnesium & Arnica Body Butter is an excellent addition to your self-care routine. Magnesium is known for its ability to help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation—perfect for managing the anxiety or stress that can accompany hormonal fluctuations. Arnica, on the other hand, is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes sore muscles and helps reduce inflammation.
Applying Calm Vibes Body Butter before bed can be a calming ritual to promote relaxation. It can help alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and even aid in a more restful sleep, which is crucial during pre-menopause.
2. Embrace a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Sleep is often one of the first things affected during pre-menopause. To help improve your sleep quality, start by creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Here are a few tips:
-
Limit screen time an hour before bed to avoid blue light interference with your sleep cycle.
-
Use calming herbal teas like chamomile or lavender, which can help prepare your body for sleep.
-
Magnesium supplementation can also support better sleep. Applying Calm Vibes Body Butter before bed gives you a double dose of magnesium, which can help your body relax and ease into sleep.
-
Consider diffusing essential oils like lavender, which is known to reduce stress and promote better sleep quality.
3. Nourish from the Inside Out
Aside from topical skincare, it's important to nourish your body from the inside out. Incorporating foods rich in magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can help manage stress and promote better sleep. Also, consider adding collagen to your diet to support skin elasticity, which can become more fragile as estrogen levels decline during pre-menopause.
4. Stress Reduction Practices
Pre-menopause can bring about physical and emotional stress, so incorporating stress-reduction practices into your routine is crucial. Whether it’s through yoga, mindfulness meditation, or simply taking quiet moments for yourself, reducing stress can help keep your hormones in balance and improve your overall well-being.
As I continue to learn more about pre-menopause, I’m realizing that this phase is about finding balance—supporting my body, managing stress, and focusing on nourishing both my mind and my skin. Using products that help me relax, hydrate, and rejuvenate is an important part of that process. If you’re going through similar changes, I encourage you to explore the tools that help you feel your best, whether it’s skincare, relaxation rituals, or simply learning more about what’s happening with your body.
Join Us for Wellness Wednesday LIVE on April 16th
Want to learn more about how to manage pre-menopause naturally and support your hormones, sleep, and skin? Join us for our Wellness Wednesday LIVE on April 16th, where Dr. Melissa Betance, a Naturopathic Doctor, will be our guest. We’ll dive into these topics and share expert insights on managing the effects of pre-menopause on your body.
During the live session, we’ll explore actionable tips, including how to use self-care practices to help navigate this important life stage. Plus, we’ll answer your questions about skincare, sleep, and wellness—so don’t miss out!