I’m convinced my search history has become a cry for help.

At any given moment, you might find things like:

• “Why am I sweating at 2 a.m. but freezing at 8 a.m.?”
• “Can hormones make your hands tingle?”
• “Is gaining five pounds in a weekend normal?”
• “Why am I exhausted but can’t sleep?”
• “Am I too young for perimenopause?”
• “Do I actually need more protein…or just a nap?”

Welcome to my recent internet history.

When I was younger, I assumed menopause was something that happened overnight. One day you were “fine,” and the next day you were buying fans in bulk and complaining about hot flashes.

No one really talked about perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause when hormones begin shifting, often long before your periods stop.

And let me tell you…those shifts can be confusing.

One month I feel unstoppable. I’m lifting heavier weights, knocking out my workouts, and feeling like I’ve finally figured my body out.

The next week? I’m bloated, craving every carb in the house, waking up sweaty, wondering why my favorite jeans suddenly feel two sizes too small.

The logical part of me knows that hormones can cause water retention, changes in sleep, energy swings, and appetite.

The emotional part of me is convinced I’ve somehow undone months of healthy habits in three days.

It’s amazing how quickly our minds jump to the worst-case scenario.

I’ve also learned that not every symptom comes with a flashing neon sign that says, “Hormones!”

Sometimes it’s subtle.

You feel a little more anxious.

A little more tired.

Your sleep isn’t as restorative.

Your motivation disappears for a few days.

You wonder if you’re getting sick, if you’re stressed, or if you’re simply imagining it.

Then, just as mysteriously, you wake up feeling like yourself again.

I’ve started paying more attention to my cycle instead of fighting it. There are days when my body is ready to lift heavier weights and take on the world. There are other days when it seems to be asking for a slower pace, more sleep, and a little grace.

I’m learning that listening to my body isn’t giving up—it’s working with it.

I’ve also realized how much pressure women put on themselves to stay exactly the same.

We’re expected to look the same, weigh the same, have the same energy, and somehow ignore the fact that our bodies are changing.

Maybe instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” we should ask, “What is my body trying to tell me?”

I don’t have all the answers.

I’m still Googling.

I’m still comparing symptoms.

I’m still trying to separate what’s normal from what’s worth mentioning to my doctor.

But I’m also learning that this season doesn’t have to be something we quietly struggle through.

If you’re in the middle of mysterious night sweats, unexpected mood swings, bloating that seems to come out of nowhere, or a search history that would confuse any stranger, you’re not alone.

And if you happen to know why I can feel hot, cold, hungry, tired, energized, emotional, and completely fine—all before lunchtime—feel free to leave a comment.

Because chances are…I’ll probably Google it anyway.