Many women are shocked when their periods slow down or disappear… yet the mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, insomnia, anxiety, and skin changes continue.
You’re not imagining it, and there’s a very real biological reason why.
Perimenopause isn’t the end of your cycle.
It’s the dysregulation of your cycle.
And that is very different.
Your Body Still “Attempts” to Cycle. Even When You Don’t Bleed
Even when your period becomes irregular or stops for months at a time, your ovaries may still attempt to:
• grow follicles
• create oestrogen
• try to ovulate
• form a weak or partial corpus luteum
This means the hormone waves still happen, but they’re unpredictable, stronger, and sometimes incomplete.
Below is the classic pattern of how oestrogen behaves across a typical menstrual cycle:
And here’s what progesterone normally looks like:
Perimenopause disrupts both.
Oestrogen Surges Still Happen. Even Without a Period
In perimenopause, ovulation becomes irregular, but the follicles often still produce high oestrogen.
This is why you may still feel:
• breast tenderness
• fluid retention
• migraines
• irritability
• anxiety
• histamine reactions
• restless sleep
These are classic oestrogen surge symptoms, and they can happen even if you don’t bleed.
Your ovaries are still trying to cycle.
They just aren’t completing the process.
Progesterone Drops First. So Everything Feels Stronger
Progesterone only rises after ovulation.
But in perimenopause:
• ovulation becomes irregular
• or fails entirely
• or produces a weak corpus luteum
• meaning progesterone becomes low or absent
This leaves oestrogen unbalanced, causing:
• emotional sensitivity
• overstimulation
• “wired but tired” nights
• hot flushes
• skin inflammation
• heart palpitations
• PMS that lasts 10–14 days
• heightened allergic reactions
Progesterone is your natural calming hormone
The moment it drops, you feel the world more intensely.
Why Symptoms Continue in Menopause
Even after your period officially stops for 12 months:
• your adrenal glands
• your fat tissue
• and peripheral tissues
still produce small amounts of oestrogen.
Progesterone doesn’t return naturally, which is why some symptoms linger into the first few years of menopause.
What Helps? (The Elevanna Philosophy)
Perimenopause isn’t about chasing a perfect cycle.
It’s about supporting the body as it transitions.
Women often feel relief when they:
• stabilise blood sugar
• reduce inflammatory triggers
• support adrenal function
• calm the nervous system
• use restorative, not stimulating herbs
• create consistent daily wellness rituals
This is where the foundation of Elevanna’s approach comes in:
Calm the system
Nourish the tissues
Restore the balance
Even when your hormones fluctuate wildly, your daily rituals can anchor your body back into steadiness.
Final Thought
You’re not “crazy.”
You’re not “unbalanced.”
You’re not “losing it.”
You’re experiencing hormone waves
without the predictable rhythm of a period.
And once you understand what’s happening inside your body, everything suddenly makes sense.
Michelle
Founder of Elevanna xo