Perimenopause, Hormones & Disordered Eating Why Your Body Isn’t Broken
- Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By: Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND, MSCP (f. NAMS) | Menopause Practitioner
Follow me on socials @drchaddahnd
You’re doing everything “right.”
You’re eating clean.
You’re working out hard.
You’re chasing wellness with everything you’ve got.
But still…You feel exhausted.
Your sleep is inconsistent.
Your mood is unpredictable.
And your body? It feels like it’s betraying you.
As a Naturopathic Doctor who sees and supports women going through the perimenopause transition, I want you to know this: You are not broken.
What I’m seeing more and more in practice is a heartbreaking and growing pattern, especially among women in their 40s and 50s. The combination of under-eating and over-exercising during perimenopause is pushing the body into a state of survival, not success.
Let's talk about some reasons you may be feeling this way, and some things we can do to help during this transitional time.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, naturopathic doctor, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.”
Perimenopause & the Pressure to Control:
Many women enter perimenopause completely unaware of how profoundly hormone levels influence their metabolism, muscle mass, energy, and mental health.
Add in body changes, stress, and a lifetime of diet culture, and what do you get?
Over-exercising
Under-eating
Poor sleep
Stalled weight loss
Chronic fatigue
And often, these patterns are coping mechanisms, not vanity.
“Women aren’t trying to be perfect. They’re trying to feel safe in a body that’s changing without permission.”
Disordered Eating in Midlife: A Silent Epidemic
Let’s talk about what’s rarely discussed: Disordered eating in perimenopause.
While eating disorders are often associated with adolescents or young adults, we’re seeing a significant increase in midlife women developing—or relapsing into—disordered eating behaviors.
The physical, emotional, and hormonal shifts during perimenopause can quietly trigger dangerous patterns like:
Binge eating
Restrictive dieting
Obsessive food tracking
Body checking
Compensatory exercise
The hormonal fluctuations in this life phase are real triggers. Studies show that certain hormone patterns, like elevated estrogen and progesterone, are linked to increased binge eating and body dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, anovulatory cycles (common in perimenopause) often show lower rates of disordered eating symptoms.
Understanding this connection is essential in shifting the narrative from willpower to biology.
Why This Matters for Your Health:
Pushing harder won’t fix the problem. More restriction. More workouts. More control…They only create more stress, and worsen the symptoms.
What you need is nourishment, rest, and support from a qualified practitioner who understands the complex relationship between hormone levels, nutrition, mental health, and fitness in midlife.
As a naturopath, my approach to perimenopause care includes:
Addressing hormone fluctuations
Supporting mood and sleep
Reducing inflammation
Preventing menopause-related muscle loss
Rebuilding trust between you and your body
Nutritional counseling, including dietary supplements and health food strategies tailored to your needs
So… What Is a Naturopath?
A naturopathic doctor is a regulated healthcare provider trained in both modern science and natural therapies. In my practice here in Aurora, Ontario, I work with women to address the root causes of their symptoms, whether that’s hormone dysfunction, nutritional depletion, stress, or disordered eating.
However, I’m licensed to see patients across Ontario. So, whether you're in Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville, London, or beyond, my goal is to help you reconnect with your body in a safe, compassionate, and evidence-informed way. Whether you make the drive to see me in person, or we meet virtually, my care is tailored to your needs during this transition.
Final Thoughts: Your Body Isn’t Resisting You, It’s Protecting You
This isn’t about weakness. This is about biology, changes and fluctuations in your hormone levels, and outdated expectations of what health “should” look like.
You don’t need more restriction.
You don’t need to push harder.
You need to feel safe in your body again.
You deserve compassionate care, especially during this powerful but often misunderstood life transition.
If this resonates...
You’re never alone in this journey through perimenopause and menopause, and you don’t have to figure this out alone either.
As a naturopath I support women across Ontario who are ready to reclaim their energy, strength, and health during perimenopause and beyond.
Book a consultation or reach out with your questions. Let’s start rewriting your story, together.
Let’s keep the conversation going:
Have you noticed changes in your period in your 40s?
Yes. It’s gotten heavier or longer
My cycle is more frequent or unpredictable
I haven't noticed a difference yet!
Not sure, but something feels off
Follow me on socials @drchaddahnd
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