Today we’re talking about something every woman deserves straight talk about—perimenopause and menopause and the many changes that happen as estrogen and progesterone begin to decline.
Now, most of us have heard about hot flashes, but very few people explain what’s actually happening inside our bodies, why it’s happening, and what we can do to feel better. And yes, that includes some really interesting therapies like peptides.
What is happening?
Let’s start with the transition itself. Perimenopause is that phase leading up to menopause, which is officially defined as twelve months without a menstrual cycle. It usually starts in your 40s, though some women notice changes earlier. The reason it can feel like a rollercoaster is all about hormones.
Estrogen is our multitasker—keeping our bones strong, our skin glowing, our brains sharp, and even helping with vaginal lubrication. When estrogen dips, it’s not surprising that hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings start showing up.
Progesterone, on the other hand, is what I like to call our “chill hormone.” It helps us sleep and keeps our cycles balanced. When progesterone drops, insomnia, irritability, and mood swings can sneak in.
And let’s not forget testosterone, which fuels energy, muscle, and libido. As testosterone slowly declines, it’s no wonder sex drive can take a hit. When these three hormones are fluctuating or dropping during perimenopause, it can touch nearly every part of the body, making this phase feel intense and, at times, overwhelming.
Brain fog
Then there’s brain fog. You know, that feeling when you walk into a room and can’t remember why you’re there. Estrogen actually plays a big role in keeping our brain sharp by influencing neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which manage memory and focus. When estrogen levels fall, those neurotransmitters aren’t as efficient, and poor sleep from night sweats can make brain fog even thicker.
What helps? Regular exercise, consistent sleep, omega-3s, and even brain-training games can make a difference. And peptides can play a role here too.
Nootropic peptides like Selank and Semax support neurotransmitter balance, helping with focus, memory, and mental clarity, while also helping the brain manage stress and fatigue.
Weight gain
Let’s talk about one of the biggest frustrations women bring up during perimenopause and menopause—weight gain. You may notice that even if you’re eating the same and moving your body the way you always have, the scale starts creeping up. This isn’t your imagination. As estrogen levels drop, metabolism slows down, muscle mass tends to decrease, and fat starts redistributing—especially around the belly. On top of that, poor sleep, more stress, and shifting insulin sensitivity can all make it harder to keep weight steady.
The good news is there are ways to manage this. Resistance or strength training helps preserve and even rebuild muscle, which keeps your metabolism active. Prioritizing protein with every meal can support that muscle, too. Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or simply better boundaries can help with cortisol—the stress hormone that encourages belly fat storage. And paying attention to blood sugar balance, by choosing more whole foods and fewer processed carbs, can really make a difference. For some women, hormone therapy can provide extra support by improving sleep, mood, and metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
And now, we also have GLP-1 agonists—like semaglutide—and even newer dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, such as tirzepatide. These medications work by improving satiety, slowing digestion, balancing blood sugar, and supporting insulin sensitivity, all of which can make weight management during menopause more achievable. They’re not magic, but when combined with lifestyle changes, they can be powerful tools to help women feel more in control of their weight and overall health during this stage of life.
Hair changes
Hair changes are another big one. Estrogen helps keep hair thick, strong, and healthy by promoting follicle growth and prolonging the growth phase. When estrogen drops, hair can start thinning.
At the same time, shifts in androgen levels like testosterone and its potent form, DHT, can trigger hair growth in places we really don’t want it, like the chin or upper lip.
Collagen supplements, checking iron and vitamin D levels, stimulating the scalp, or even low-level laser therapy can all support healthier hair.
Peptides like GHK-Cu, a copper peptide, stimulate hair follicles by promoting cell growth, increasing blood supply, and supporting collagen production. Thymosin Beta-4, or TB-500, also helps by reducing inflammation and encouraging tissue repair, creating a better environment for hair growth.
Skin changes
As estrogen dips, natural moisture throughout the body also decreases. This can mean dry eyes, crepey or itchy skin, and new sensitivities popping up seemingly out of nowhere.
Support can be as simple as artificial tears, omega-3s to support tear production, gentle fragrance-free moisturizers, or running a humidifier at night.
Peptides like Epitalon reduce oxidative stress, support collagen production, and promote cellular repair, which can improve skin elasticity. BPC-157 helps reduce inflammation and supports healing, making the skin less reactive and more comfortable.
Bladder issues
And then there are those bladder surprises. Ever sneeze, laugh, or cough and suddenly wonder if you should’ve packed a spare pair of underwear? Dropping estrogen weakens the pelvic floor and thins the bladder lining, which can make those little “oops” moments more common.
Kegel exercises, pelvic floor physical therapy, vaginal estrogen creams, and avoiding bladder irritants like coffee or alcohol can help.
Peptides like BPC-157 support tissue healing in the bladder and pelvic area, and KPV may help calm irritation in urinary tissues.
Mood changes
Mood changes are another challenge. Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin can trigger anxiety, irritability, or low mood seemingly overnight.
Things like therapy, mindfulness, regular exercise, and making sure you get enough vitamin D and magnesium can really help.
Peptides give an extra boost too. Selank is a gentle anti-anxiety peptide that won’t make you drowsy, DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) helps improve deep sleep, naturally stabilizing mood, and Semax works on dopamine pathways to lift energy, focus, and motivation when you need it most.
Sex drive
Finally, let’s talk about something we don’t discuss enough: libido. Vaginal dryness, fatigue, and shifting hormones can all make desire dip, and this is very much physiological, not just in your head.
Lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, hormone replacement therapy, and open communication with your partner can all help.
Peptides like PT-141 (bremelanotide), work on melanocortin receptors in the brain to boost sexual desire. It’s an on-demand injection, usually taken a few hours before intimacy, and many women feel it helps restore that spark that seemed long gone, though side effects can include flushing or nausea.
So here’s the big takeaway: menopause is much more than hot flashes. It’s brain, body, skin, mood, and sexual function all shifting at once. But you don’t have to just “tough it out.” From lifestyle shifts to targeted peptides, there are tools to help you feel like yourself again. And the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Every chin hair, every laugh-leak, every brain fog moment—you’ve got millions of women nodding right along with you.
Thanks for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If today’s episode resonated, share it with a friend—because if she’s in her 40s or 50s, she’s probably going through the same changes and wondering if she’s the only one.
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Until next time, be well, and as always, have a happy, healthy week.
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