Hot Flashes, Mood Swings & Memory Loss—Oh My!
Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
If your moods been moodin’, your sleep’s gone ghost, and your edges are threatening to pack up and leave—welcome to the wild world of perimenopause.
It creeps in quiet, like “Hey girl…” then suddenly you’re sweating through your sheets, crying during commercials, and wondering who put your memory on shuffle.
The worst part? Nobody really talks about it. Especially not for women like us—solo moms holding it down, managing households, and trying to heal and grow while our bodies shift in ways we didn’t sign up for.
This season might be new territory, but you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it—with honesty, compassion, and just the right amount of attitude.
When the Hair Loss Hit…
Out of all the symptoms I’ve dealt with—brain fog, emotional swings, night sweats—it’s the hair loss that’s taking me out.
If you know anything about women, especially Black women, you know our hair isn’t just hair. It’s identity, femininity, beauty, and culture. So when my hair started shedding more than usual, I felt myself spiral.
I stood in the mirror and whispered, “Is there something wrong with me? Is this what aging feels like?”
It wasn’t just about vanity—it was about value. And if I’m being honest, I had to grieve the version of me I was used to.
Because when your body shifts from a baby-making machine to “been-there-done-that and got the kid to prove it,” it can make you question your purpose and your power.
But let me remind you (and myself):
You are still worthy. Still beautiful. Still a force.
Even in transition, even without edges, even when you don’t recognize yourself for a minute—you’re still HER.
Managing Perimenopause Without Losing Yourself
So, how do we hold it together when our hormones are doing the cha-cha?
Here’s what’s helping me stay sane:
1. Keep cool—literally.
For the hot flashes and night sweats, I keep a fan by my bed or my window open and cooling sheets on deck. And yes, I’ve carried a mini fan in my purse regardless of the season.
2. Eat for energy.
What you put in your body matters. Hydration, whole foods, vitamins (especially D, B12, and iron) are helping me not feel like I’ve been run over by life.
3. Move your body.
You don’t need a full gym routine. Sometimes it’s a quick stretch, a walk around the block, or a dance break in the kitchen. Movement boosts your mood and gives your mind a break.
4. Track your symptoms.
Use a journal or an app to track what’s happening and when. It helps you feel less crazy, and it gives your doctor something solid to work with.
5. Speak up.
Talk to a doctor. Ask for hormone testing. Don’t let anyone brush you off or tell you “it’s just aging.” Advocate for YOU.
The Real Talk You Needed Today
Perimenopause isn’t the end of anything—it’s the start of a new chapter. A softer, wiser, no-nonsense version of you is emerging. One who knows how to rest, how to say no, and how to show up for herself even when her body feels unfamiliar.
You’re not losing yourself.
You’re becoming someone even more powerful.
So the next time your memory plays tricks on you, your emotions go for a joyride, or your hair shows up in the sink instead of your scalp—breathe.
You’re evolving, not falling apart.
A rose is still a rose… even in transition.
Let’s Talk
Have you been feeling those perimenopause shifts too? Drop a comment and let’s create space for real talk. Because you don’t have to figure this out alone—we’re in this together.
Love, light, & a cooling fan
Tiera Nicole
I’m having a hot flash as I type🪭🪭