"Who do I even talk to about this? My brain feels scrambled, I’m crying in the car after drop-off, and my husband just doesn’t get it."
—Sophia (name change to protect her identity).

It’s no secret that September can be rough. Sure, it’s the chaos of new schedules, packed lunches, and Target aisles that feel like war zones. But for many women in perimenopause, there’s something deeper happening: hormonal changes are quietly hijacking your stress response.

Why Does School Season Feel So Hard Now?

Is perimenopause making me more stressed?

Yes. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall unpredictably. This impacts mood, sleep, memory, and emotional resilience. Add back-to-school stress, and your nervous system goes into overdrive. New schedules, lunch-packing, homework battles, school emails, and trying to remember what day picture day is... It's a perfect storm.

You’re not lazy. You’re not "losing it." You're just maxed out, and your body is asking for a different pace.

• Sleep gets worse, making mornings harder.

• Cortisol spikes, increasing anxiety.

• Memory issues make small tasks feel overwhelming.

• Mood swings mean a tiny thing (like forgetting to sign a field trip form) can ruin your whole day.

How Can I Cope With All of This?

Try these:

1. Lower the bar—No need for elaborate lunches or perfect Pinterest boards.

2. Name what’s happening—“This is perimenopause, not failure.”

3. Use your support system—Tell a trusted friend or therapist, “I’m not okay right now.”

4. Build in recovery time—After drop-off, give yourself 10 minutes to sit in silence.

5. Get curious, not judgmental—You’re not lazy. You’re in transition. Honor that.

6. Honor your energy window. Tackle the heavy stuff earlier in the day when you have more energy.

7. Simplify choices. Pick one lunchbox, one backpack, and three breakfast options.

8. Say yes to help.  Let your teen pack their bag. Order groceries instead of shopping ( if that's an option).

And here’s the big one: let go of the idea that you have to keep up like you used to. You're not supposed to. This is a different phase of life. Different tools are needed.

You don’t have to power through. You’re allowed to adjust, pause, and get support. And no, you’re not alone.

Let’s End With What I Want You to Know

You’re not “too emotional.” You’re not “bad at parenting.”
You're a woman navigating a major shift, and yes, the back-to-school season will feel different now.

It doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you deserve more support, softer mornings, and friends who don’t need you to be "fine" all the time. If you need help with dealing with the emotional stress of perimenopause and menopause, reach out at [email protected]

References:

• North American Menopause Society

• Stress in Perimenopausal Mothers, BMC Women’s Health (2022)

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare provider for help with your symptoms.

© 2025 GROWING STAGES THERAPY PLLC ❘ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE.