Perimenopause & Nervous System Support

Perimenopause is a natural yet often overwhelming transition. Shifts in estrogen and progesterone can create waves of hot flashes, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and mood swings. The nervous system is placed under pressure, and the body’s resilience feels tested.

While hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes play an important role, many women are turning to functional mushrooms—ancient allies that offer grounding, adaptogenic support. Mushrooms don’t replace hormones, but they may help the body adapt more gracefully to this phase of life.

Understanding Perimenopause and the Nervous System

• Hormonal fluctuations affect the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), heightening stress responses.

• Estrogen plays a role in serotonin regulation, which influences mood and emotional balance.

• Supporting the nervous system, sleep quality, and stress resilience becomes essential for well-being during this stage.

Functional Mushrooms for Perimenopause

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – The Calming Ally

• Rich in triterpenes and polysaccharides with adaptogenic and nervine effects.

• Shown to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue in women with insomnia (Chen et al., 2014).

• May support emotional balance and reduced irritability, helping the nervous system regulate during hormonal fluctuations.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) – The Mood Lifter

• Contains hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF).

• A clinical study found it reduced anxiety and depression scores in women after 4 weeks (Nagano et al., 2010).

• Can support cognitive clarity and lift “menopause brain fog.”

Cordyceps  – The Energy Restorer

• Supports mitochondrial function, providing steady cellular energy.

• Traditionally used for fatigue and stamina, Cordyceps may counter perimenopausal exhaustion.

• Some studies highlight its role in balancing estrogen activity in animal models (Yue et al., 2013).

Tremella (Tremella fuciformis) – The Hydrator

• Known as the “beauty mushroom,” Tremella holds up to 500 times its weight in water.

• Helps support skin hydration and elasticity, which can decline with lower estrogen levels.

• Antioxidant properties also reduce oxidative stress common in perimenopause.

Practical Rituals

• Evening Calm: Brew a Reishi-based tea (like Serenity Bliss) before bed to ground the nervous system.

• Morning Clarity: Add Lion’s Mane powder to coffee or cacao to ease brain fog.

• Energy Flow: Take Cordyceps in the morning for sustainable vitality.

• Radiance Ritual: Blend Tremella powder into a smoothie for skin hydration support.

Conclusion

Perimenopause is not just a challenge—it’s an initiation into a new phase of strength and wisdom. Functional mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Tremella offer a gentle yet powerful layer of support, calming the nervous system, lifting mood, and nourishing energy.

At Gribb, we see them as nature’s companions through transition—helping women navigate change with resilience, balance, and radiance.

Together in wellness. 🌱

References

• Chen, S., Oh, S. R., Phung, S., Hur, G., Ye, J. J., Kwok, S. L., … & Chen, S. (2014). Anti-fatigue and anti-insomnia effects of Ganoderma lucidum in women with insomnia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(10), 1–8.

• Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., … & Mori, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical Research, 31(4), 231–237.

• Yue, K., Ye, M., Zhou, Z., Sun, W., & Lin, X. (2013). The genus Cordyceps: A chemical and pharmacological review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 65(4), 474–493.