Understanding Perimenopause: Your Metabolism, Mood & Movement Strategy
You’re not losing control, your body’s just rewriting the rules. Perimenopause isn’t a breakdown; it’s a recalibration. The problem is, no one ever taught us how to live, lift, and eat through it.
Hormones start shifting in your late 30s to mid-40s, and suddenly the things that used to work- long fasts, cardio, calorie restriction- don’t anymore. Your metabolism, sleep, and mood start playing by new rules. But the good news? You can learn the language.
What’s Actually Happening
Perimenopause is the 4–10 year transition leading to menopause. Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate unpredictably, impacting your:
Metabolism: slower recovery, more fat storage (especially abdominal)
Mood: anxiety, irritability, brain fog
Sleep: poor quality, frequent waking
These aren’t personal failings- they’re physiological responses.
Your New Metabolism Game Plan
Your metabolism in perimenopause doesn’t need to be “fixed”- it needs to be supported.
Eat enough protein (100–130g/day minimum)
Fuel evenly throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar
Don’t fear carbs- they’re crucial for serotonin and sleep
Hart Method Tip: A balanced breakfast with protein + carbs (like eggs, oatmeal, or Greek yogurt) can stabilize hormones better than fasting.
Move Smarter, Not Harder
This is where most women go wrong- they add more cardio when what they actually need is more strength training.
3–4 lifts per week focused on progressive overload
1–2 steady-state cardio sessions (like incline walking)
Prioritize recovery: walks, mobility, sleep
Hart Method Tip: Think of your workouts as hormone-training, not calorie-burning.
Stress & Sleep: The Hidden Hormone Players
High cortisol (from stress or under-eating) disrupts estrogen balance and metabolism.
Simple fixes:
Morning sunlight before screens
No caffeine after 2 PM
10-minute breathwork or meditation before bed
Your nervous system dictates how your hormones behave- treat it like part of your training plan.
Mindset Shift: You’re Evolving, Not Declining
Perimenopause isn’t the end of vitality- it’s the gateway to deeper strength, steadier energy, and sharper intuition.
When you learn to eat, move, and rest with your changing hormones, you don’t just survive this phase-you thrive through it.
Ready to support your hormones and metabolism the Hart way?
Download the Hart Method and try us out for FREE for 7 days!
Follow Amanda Hart for free fitness tips
