10 Signs of Perimenopause You Might Not Recognise

Have you noticed that something feels different, but you can't quite put your finger on what it is?.

Maybe your periods have changed. You're waking during the night, feeling more tired, more emotional or anxious than usual. Perhaps you're experiencing brain fog, or your body seems to be changing despite doing the same things you've always done.

And you might be quietly wondering: “Could this be perimenopause?” It could be.

Perimenopause can look very different from woman to woman. You might have several symptoms, just one or two, or symptoms that come and go.

If you’re new to the topic, start with “What Is Perimenopause?” for a straightforward introduction.

Here are 10 signs worth paying attention to.

1. Your periods have changed

This can be one of the first signs that your hormones are changing, it was for me with mine coming every 2 weeks, some times light and other times very heavy. 

Your periods may become heavier, lighter, longer, shorter, closer together, further apart or simply more unpredictable. And importantly, you can still have periods and be in perimenopause.

2. Your sleep isn't what it used to be

Perhaps you're struggling to fall asleep, waking at 2 or 3am, or waking in the morning feeling like you've barely slept. You may not even be experiencing night sweats. Sometimes you simply notice that your sleep has changed. And when sleep isn't right, it can affect everything else — your energy, mood, patience and ability to cope with the day.

3. You're exhausted

You might be thinking: “Why am I so tired? I'm doing the same things I've always done.”

You may feel drained by the afternoon, mentally exhausted or like you need much more recovery time than you used to. Poor sleep can certainly contribute, but changing hormones, stress and other factors can play a part too.

4. Your mood feels different

Maybe you're more emotional, irritable or overwhelmed. Perhaps you've noticed anxiety that wasn't there before, or you're finding yourself reacting to things differently. This can be one of the hardest changes to understand.

You may even wonder, “Why am I feeling like this? This isn't really me.”

5. You're experiencing brain fog

You walk into a room and forget why you're there. You can't find the word you're looking for. You read the same email three times. Sound familiar?

Many women describe this frustrating feeling of brain fog during perimenopause and if you're used to being organised, focused and on top of things, it can be particularly unsettling. You might be thinking you’re going mad or losing the plot.

6. Your body is changing

This is one I hear women talk about a lot and happened to me with more weight across my middle. Your waistline may be changing. Your clothes may fit differently. You may be losing muscle or finding that the exercise you've always done isn't getting the same results.

You may be thinking: “But I'm eating the same and exercising the same. What is happening?”

Your body isn't failing you. It's changing — and it may need different support now.

7. You're experiencing hot flushes or night sweats

A sudden wave of heat, sweating, flushing or waking up hot during the night can be a classic perimenopause symptom. But remember: You don't have to have hot flushes to be in perimenopause.

There are many women whose early symptoms look completely different and do not experience hot flushes at all. 

8. Your anxiety feels different

Perhaps you've never thought of yourself as an anxious person, but suddenly you feel more on edge.For me it could come in waves, I would be driving to the dog park and suddenly would feel very anxious about driving on the main road. Your thoughts may race, everyday things may feel more overwhelming, or you may find yourself worrying more than usual. 

Hormonal changes can be part of the picture, but anxiety can have many causes. If it is persistent or affecting your everyday life, please talk to your healthcare professional.

9. Your libido has changed

You may notice that your interest in sex has changed, or that intimacy doesn't feel the same. Hormonal changes can also contribute to vaginal dryness or discomfort.

This is something we don't always talk about, but you don't have to suffer in silence or simply accept discomfort as part of getting older.

There is support available and things we can do to help.

10. You simply don't feel like yourself

Sometimes there isn't one big symptom. It's just a feeling. “Something has changed.”

Your periods are different. You're exhausted. You're not sleeping. You're more emotional. Your body feels unfamiliar. Your concentration isn't what it used to be. And suddenly you realise: “I just don't feel like me anymore.”

If that sounds familiar, it may be time to start asking whether perimenopause could be part of the picture.

So, could it be perimenopause?

These symptoms don't necessarily mean you're in perimenopause. Many can have other causes too, so it's important not to diagnose yourself from a checklist.

But if you've noticed several changes happening at the same time, don't dismiss them.

Start paying attention. You might keep a simple record of your periods, sleep, energy, mood and other symptoms. This can help you notice patterns and give you something useful to discuss with your GP or healthcare professional.

And most importantly, listen to your body. You know when something feels different.

You don't have to wait until menopause

You don't have to wait until your periods stop before you start looking after yourself. This can be a really valuable time to focus on the foundations that support your wellbeing:

Nourishing your body.Staying hydrated.Moving regularly.Building strength.Looking after your bones.Prioritising sleep.Finding ways to manage stress.

You don't need to change everything at once.

In fact, I don't believe you should. One thing at a time is a good place to start. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is simply understand what is happening and choose one small thing to work on first.

A little reminder from me

If you're reading this and thinking, “This sounds like me,” I want you to know something.

You're not imagining it.You're not failing.And you're not alone.

Perimenopause can be confusing, frustrating and sometimes quite lonely – especially when nobody has really explained what to expect. You don't have to have all the answers.

Sometimes you just need someone to listen, help you make sense of what you're experiencing, and work out where to start.

Recognising some of these signs?

You don’t need to have all the answers today. Sometimes, the first step is simply talking things through.

If you’d like someone to listen, help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and explore practical changes that suit your life, I’m here.