Perimenopause can feel like one long, unpredictable season — your body changing in ways that can be frustrating, confusing, and at times downright exhausting. You might notice your weight shifting (especially around the middle), your energy dipping, your brain feeling foggier than usual, and your muscles taking longer to recover after exercise.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it either.
What’s Happening in Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, when our hormone levels — particularly estrogen and progesterone — begin to fluctuate. These shifts can affect nearly every system in the body.
Common symptoms include:
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Weight gain and fluid retention – Estrogen plays a key role in metabolism and insulin sensitivity, so as levels drop, the body can become more prone to storing fat, particularly around the abdomen.
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Fatigue and energy dips – Hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, and blood sugar imbalances can all drain energy levels.
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Brain fog – Many women notice changes in focus, memory, or mental clarity during this time.
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Muscle soreness and slower recovery – lower estrogen can impact muscle repair, collagen production, and inflammation, leaving you feeling more achy than usual.
Why Fermented Beet Should Be in Your Perimenopause Toolkit
Beetroot has long been known as a liver-loving, blood-building, energy-enhancing food — and when fermented, its benefits only amplify. Clover Ferments Beet Kvass is one of those simple but powerful additions to your day that can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Here’s why it’s worth the hype:
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Liver Support and Detoxification
During perimenopause, the liver works overtime — processing fluctuating hormones, managing toxins, and regulating blood sugar. Beetroot is rich in betaine and other compounds that support the liver’s detoxification pathways. Fermentation takes it a step further by enhancing nutrient absorption and making those compounds more bioavailable.
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Nitric Oxide for Energy and Circulation
Fermented beetroot is an incredible source of dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide — a molecule that helps widen blood vessels, improve oxygen delivery, and boost endurance. Better circulation means better energy, clearer thinking, and even improved exercise performance (and recovery!).
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Gut Health and Hormone Balance
Fermentation introduces beneficial bacteria that nourish your gut microbiome. A healthy gut supports better estrogen metabolism, which is crucial in perimenopause to help prevent estrogen dominance and ease PMS-like symptoms. Plus, a balanced microbiome means smoother digestion, reduced bloating, and more stable energy throughout the day.
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Natural Energy without the Crash
Unlike caffeine or sugar, fermented beetroot provides a steady, nourishing lift. It supports mitochondrial function — your body’s energy factories — helping you feel more sustained and alert.
Inspiration:
Add a small shot (30–60 ml) of Clover Ferments Beet before exercise, with your breakfast, or at lunchtime to support blood flow and energy. Many women find it helps reduce that 3pm slump and boosts mental clarity in the afternoons.
And here’s a little ritual I love — my non-negotiable pink drink at the end of the day. I mix a splash of Clover Ferments Beet Kvass with a dash of apple cider vinegar and soda water. It’s refreshing, supportive for my liver and gut, and feels like a little treat — equal parts wellness and ritual.
Supporting your liver, gut, and energy systems with foods like Clover Ferments Beet Kvass can help you feel clearer, lighter, and more like yourself again.
Steph Pearson

Guest written blog by Steph Pearson,
Registered Naturopath & Nutritionist
Check out Steph's website here
https://stephpearson.co.nz/