To homepage

There’s a moment in every woman’s life when her body starts to shift in ways that feel unfamiliar. Maybe your moods feel a little more intense, your sleep isn’t as restful, or your cycle seems unpredictable.

It can be confusing, even frustrating, to pinpoint exactly what’s going on. But if you’re in your late 30s or 40s, these changes might not be random—they could be signs of perimenopause, the gradual transition toward menopause.

While this phase is different for everyone, understanding it can help you feel more in control and better equipped to navigate the changes ahead.

Learning to recognise the signs of perimenopause can help you better navigate the journey and take proactive steps to support your physical and mental health.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is your body’s way of slowly adjusting to a new chapter—it’s the phase before menopause when the ovaries become less active, and hormone levels start to fluctuate.

During this phase, which typically lasts 4-10 years before menopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This hormonal shift can lead to you noticing a few different symptoms.

Approximately 90% of women experience irregular menstrual cycles during perimenopause. Around 75% report symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Each person may encounter different combinations of symptoms at different times.

When does perimenopause start?

Perimenopause is a natural stage of life, a gradual shift that most women experience between 45 and 55, though it can start earlier or later. For some, it’s a brief transition lasting just a few months, while for others, it stretches over four to ten years or more.

Think of it like the changing seasons—just as spring can bring unpredictable weather before settling into the warmth of summer, perimenopause comes with hormonal ups and downs before the body finds its new rhythm. It’s a process, not a switch that flips overnight, and everyone experiences it differently.

For some, the changes feel subtle—maybe your periods become irregular, or your energy levels fluctuate more than usual. For others, symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances can be more intense.

There’s no single "right" way to go through perimenopause, and that’s okay. It’s a deeply personal journey, and knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

The most important thing? You’re not alone in this. Perimenopause can be frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to tune into your body and give it what it needs. Whether that’s more rest, changes in nutrition, or just reassurance that what you’re feeling is completely normal, knowledge is power—and you deserve to feel supported every step of the way.

How to recognise the symptoms

Are you wondering if you're experiencing perimenopause? According to a 2024 study, more than 80% of women going through perimenopause will experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

• Changes in menstrual cycle: Your periods may become irregular, with cycles becoming shorter or longer, and flow varying in intensity.
• Worsening Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms: Your PMS symptoms, like mood swings, irritability, and breast tenderness, may intensify.
• Hot flushes and night sweats: You might experience sudden waves of heat accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances: You might have trouble sleeping and increased fatigue.
• Weight gain and emotional changes: You might have fluctuations in weight, along with emotional shifts like anxiety and feelings of worthlessness.
• Brain fog: You may begin to struggle with loss of immediate focus, distraction, misplacement of items and time lapses.

What are the hormonal changes during perimenopause?

The hormonal changes you experience during perimenopause are mostly due to declining estrogen levels. Your ovaries make estrogen, which plays a vital role in maintaining your reproductive system.

As estrogen decreases, it throws off the balance with progesterone, another hormone your ovaries produce. It’s common for hormone levels to fluctuate during perimenopause — to go up and down like a rollercoaster.

When you reach menopause, your body makes so little estrogen that your ovaries no longer release eggs (ovulation). At this point, you stop having your period, meaning your body no longer prepares for pregnancy.

Why it’s important to recognise these signs early

The early signs of perimenopause can be subtle, but recognising them early can lead to better management of symptoms. Understanding that these changes are a natural part of the perimenopausal process can help women take charge of their health by making informed decisions.

From adjusting lifestyle habits like sleep and stress management to seeking professional guidance, recognising the signs early can make a huge difference in how you experience this phase of life.

What tests can diagnose perimenopause?

Diagnosing perimenopause typically doesn’t require hormone testing, as hormone levels fluctuate significantly, making results unreliable. However, some tests can provide insights into whether perimenopause has begun.

One such test measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that signals the ovaries to release an egg during ovulation. Elevated FSH levels over time can indicate that your body is moving into the menopausal stage.

Self-testing: Navigate menopause with confidence

Understand your body's changes with a home perimenopause FSH test. These easy-to-use kits help track FSH levels, giving insight into your menopause transition.

They deliver accurate results, providing a simple solution for monitoring whether your body has likely entered menopause.

Embrace the transition

Perimenopause is a natural phase of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to navigate. The changes can feel unpredictable, and symptoms may come and go without warning. Recognising what’s happening in your body is the first step toward feeling more in control.

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms that are affecting your daily life, speaking to a healthcare professional can provide reassurance and guidance on managing the transition.

You don’t have to go through this alone—support is available, and there are many ways to make this phase of life more manageable. With the right information and tools, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re taking care of your health on your own terms.