The Reality Of Trying To Support Yourself Through Perimenopause

One thing I don’t think people fully understand about perimenopause is how much time women spend trying to figure out what the hell is happening to them.

At this point I feel like I should have an honorary PhD in:

• hormones

• nervous systems

• supplements

• sleep

• blood sugar

• protein

• cortisol

• emotional regulation

• and “why do I suddenly want to fight everyone?”

  
  

Because honestly?

Perimenopause can feel like someone took your body, nervous system, emotions and brain chemistry… shook them violently… and then handed them back saying:

“Good luck babe.”

So lately I’ve been trying a few things to support myself naturally before deciding what direction I want to go longer term. One of the things I’ve been researching is seed cycling and St. John’s Wort.

Not because I think they’re magical cures.

But because I think a lot of women are simply trying to feel a little more like themselves again.

Seed Cycling

If you haven’t heard of seed cycling before, it’s basically the idea that certain seeds may support hormone balance during different phases of your cycle.

The concept is:

• flax + pumpkin seeds during the first half

• sesame + sunflower during the second half

  
  

The research isn’t super strong yet, so I’m not sitting here pretending this is some miracle hormone fix.

But honestly?

I’m at the point in life where if adding seeds to my yogurt might help my hormones, digestion, energy or mood even 5%… I’m willing to try it.

At minimum:

• more fiber

• healthy fats

• minerals

• protein

…aren’t exactly terrible things to add into midlife anyway.

And if nothing else, it feels supportive rather than restrictive which matters to me now more than ever.

Because I am DONE with punishment disguised as wellness.

St. John’s Wort

The other thing I’ve been looking into is St. John’s Wort.

Mainly because I know so many women in perimenopause quietly struggle with:

• mood swings

• anxiety

• rage

• emotional overwhelm

• feeling flat

• feeling unlike themselves

  
  

And while there actually is some decent research around St. John’s Wort helping mild to moderate depression and mood support…

I think it’s really important women know:

“natural” does NOT automatically mean harmless.

It can interact with:

• antidepressants

• birth control

• HRT

• thyroid medication

• blood thinners

• tons of other medications

So this is definitely one of those:

“Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist first” situations.

Not a:

“TikTok told me to take this” situation.

But Honestly? I Think The Bigger Issue Is This…

I think a lot of women are trying to supplement their way out of nervous system burnout.

And I say that lovingly because I am absolutely one of those women sometimes.

We’re exhausted.

Overstimulated.

Overworked.

Under-rested.

Emotionally overloaded.

Trying to hold families, jobs, marriages, aging parents, finances and our own identities together simultaneously.

And then we wonder why magnesium alone isn’t fixing everything.

Meanwhile our bodies are basically whispering:

“Girl… I need rest, safety, nourishment and less chaos.”

But that’s hard too because modern womanhood almost rewards self-abandonment.

So we keep searching for:

• the supplement

• the hormone fix

• the perfect workout

• the perfect diet

• the miracle answer

When sometimes the body is begging for:

• slower mornings

• protein

• sleep

• boundaries

• strength training

• sunlight

• emotional support

• nervous system regulation

• less pressure to constantly optimize ourselves

  
  

I’m Trying To Approach This Season Differently

What I’m trying NOT to do now is panic.

Because younger me would have turned this into:

• obsession

• control

• restriction

• fixing

• researching myself into a spiral

  
  

Now I’m trying to approach my body more like:

“How can I support you?”instead of: “How can I force you to change?”

And honestly?

That mindset shift alone feels healthier than half the wellness industry.

So No… I Don’t Think Seeds Are Going To Magically Heal My Hormones

And no, I don’t think one supplement is going to suddenly transform my life either.

But I DO think women deserve space to openly talk about what they’re trying, what they’re struggling with and how complicated this season of life can feel without judgment.

Because sometimes perimenopause feels less like a hormonal transition…

…and more like being slowly introduced to a completely different version of yourself.

And I think a lot of us are just trying to find our footing again.