Menopause: The “Second Puberty” No One Warned You About

Menopause.

I call it the second puberty.

Those of you in the middle of it probably agree.

And if you happen to be raising a teenager going through puberty while you’re going through perimenopause or menopause yourself…

You deserve a prize.

I’m not sure what the prize should be, but if that’s you, email me and I’ll figure something out. That’s next-level life management.

Because once you understand the real perimenopause symptoms and changes happening in your body, this phase starts to make a whole lot more sense.

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Why Perimenopause Symptoms Feel Like Puberty All Over Again

Puberty begins when the brain—specifically the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—starts releasing hormones that signal the ovaries and testes to get to work.

This is when we begin producing sex hormones like:

• Estrogen

• Progesterone

• Testosterone

And as a result, the body goes through some pretty dramatic changes.

For girls, puberty often comes with:

• Boobs

• Body hair

• Birthing hips

• Bleeding

And depending on the time of the month and which way the wind is blowing…there may be another B-word in the mix.

You know the one.

Teenagers can be irritable, emotional, self-conscious, and unpredictable.

Now add in the fact that boys are going through puberty at roughly the same time and suddenly noticing all of this.

Can it get any worse?

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Perimenopause Symptoms: The Second Puberty Explained

Most middle-aged women would say yes.

Because along comes perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause is the phase where estrogen and progesterone gradually decline, eventually leading to the pause of menstruation.

And just like puberty, perimenopause brings a wave of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms and changes.

The difference?

Instead of boobs and birthing hips, we may experience things like:

• Increased body fat

• Butt dimples (hello cellulite)

• Night sweats

• Sleep disruptions

• Mood swings

• And yes… sometimes bedroom blahs

The other B-word may make an appearance here too.

Just saying.

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When Does Perimenopause Start?

Most women enter perimenopause 8–10 years before menopause, often in their late 30s or early 40s.

The transition from perimenopause to menopause typically lasts 4–6 years, though it can be longer.

And for many women, the early stages are subtle.

Things are changing behind the scenes.

Your hormones are shifting.
Your metabolism is adjusting.
Your body is transitioning.

Sometimes without you realizing what’s happening yet.

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Why Perimenopause Feels So Stressful

Hormones are only part of the story.

During puberty, teenagers are also dealing with:

• harder academic classes

• evolving friendships

• identity formation

• extracurricular activities

• growing responsibilities

It’s a stressful season of life.

The same thing happens during perimenopause.

Women in their 40s and 50s are often juggling:

• peak career demands

• raising teenagers or launching kids into adulthood

• caring for aging parents

• planning retirement

• navigating major life transitions

No wonder cortisol levels rise and burnout becomes common.

In many ways, the emotional pressure during menopause mirrors the pressure teenagers experience during puberty.

Different stage of life.

Similar biological chaos.

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Why Body Changes During Menopause Feel So Frustrating

One of the hardest parts of both puberty and menopause is body frustration.

That feeling that your body is changing without your permission.

Your weight shifts.

Your energy changes.

Your sleep becomes unpredictable.

And it can feel like you have no say in the process.

That loss of control can be incredibly discouraging.

But here’s the good news:

You’re not powerless.

After working with clients across every stage there are a few strategies that consistently help people navigate perimenopause symptoms and changes  better.

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4 Strategies That Help During Perimenopause and Menopause

1. Be Real

Just own it.

Teenagers often feel embarrassed about puberty. Maybe they’re the first of their friends to develop. Maybe they feel awkward in their changing body.

But eventually everyone goes through it.

The same mindset works for adults.

Sometimes honesty sounds like this:

“Guys… I’m dying over here. Night sweats. No sleep. Everyone is annoying me. Just wanted to warn you in advance.”

Humor and honesty remove the pressure of pretending everything is normal.

Because during this season, it often isn’t.

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2. Be Ready

Perimenopause is coming.

And pretending it won’t happen doesn’t make it easier.

Some changes are common:

• weight gain

• changes in body composition

• higher stress levels

• worse sleep

• slower recovery

Instead of fighting the reality of these shifts, it helps to prepare for them mentally and physically.

Grace goes a long way here.

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3. Be Comfortable

This is not the season of life to torture yourself with uncomfortable clothes.

Stretchy pants exist for a reason.

If you’re bloated, tired, or running on poor sleep:

Wear the comfy jeans.
Throw on a ball cap.
Add some sunglasses.

Call it a day.

There’s wisdom in choosing comfort when your body is already working overtime.

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4. Be Active

You’ve heard it before:

Move more.
Get your steps in.
Exercise regularly.

I won’t patronize you with another lecture.

But the reality is this:

During perimenopause and menopause:

• metabolism slows

• muscle mass declines

• hormones fluctuate

• recovery takes longer

Which means movement becomes even more important.

We have to be a little more intentional than we were in our 20s.

That might mean:

• walking when the weather isn’t perfect

• squeezing in movement during busy weeks

• staying active on vacation

• pushing yourself when it would be easier not to

Consistency matters more than ever.

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The Truth About Menopause

No matter where you are in life—

Puberty
Perimenopause
Menopause
Even “manopause”

You are still a B-word.

But not the one you’re thinking.

You are:

Brilliant
Bold
Beautiful
Brave

And your body—no matter what stage it’s in—is still capable of strength, growth, and resilience.

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If You’re Navigating Perimenopause or Menopause

You’re not broken.

Your body is simply changing.

And with the right nutrition, movement, recovery, and mindset, this stage of life can still be one of the strongest, most confident seasons you experience.

Interested in learning more about my thoughts on Perimenopause? Read my complete guide here.