Am I in Perimenopause? Answering the Most Common Questions
Am I in perimenopause?
Perimenopause isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a new phase.
Perimenopause is a natural phase of life, yet it can often feel confusing, isolating, and overwhelming. Many women discover they are in perimenopause almost by accident—often after months or even years of experiencing symptoms that seem unrelated. If you're wondering whether you're in this stage of life and what it all means, you're not alone. Below, we’ll address some of the most common questions women ask when they find out they are in perimenopause and provide insights to help you navigate this transformative time with confidence and clarity.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause. It typically begins in your 40s but can start as early as your 30s or as late as your 50s. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to over a decade, with an average duration of four to eight years.
During perimenopause, hormone levels—particularly oestrogen and progesterone—fluctuate significantly. These changes are what cause the variety of symptoms associated with this phase. Menopause is officially reached when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
How Do I Know If I’m in Perimenopause?
The symptoms of perimenopause can vary widely between women. Here are some signs that may indicate you’re in this stage:
Irregular periods: Your cycles may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter.
Hot flushes and night sweats: Sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and redness.
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early.
Mood swings: Increased anxiety, irritability, or bouts of sadness.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
Changes in libido: Increased or decreased sexual desire.
Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or mental fatigue.
Weight gain or changes in body shape: Often around the abdomen.
Vaginal dryness: Leading to discomfort during intimacy or daily activities.
Joint pain: Unexplained stiffness or aching.
If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms and they feel different from your usual cycle, it’s worth consulting with a healthcare provider.
Is This Normal?
Yes! Perimenopause is a completely normal part of life, but because it’s so varied and poorly understood, many women feel as though they are the only ones experiencing it. The lack of open discussion around this stage can also make it harder to recognise.
What’s important to note is that while symptoms are common, they don’t have to be debilitating. If your symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, there are ways to manage them naturally and effectively.
How Long Will Perimenopause Last?
The duration of perimenopause differs for every woman. On average, it lasts 4-8 years, but some women experience it for a shorter or longer period. The most intense symptoms tend to occur in the later stages, closer to menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate most dramatically.
Understanding your unique timeline can be tricky, but tracking your cycle and symptoms can provide valuable insights.
What’s Causing These Symptoms?
The symptoms of perimenopause are primarily driven by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly oestrogen. As oestrogen levels rise and fall, they affect many systems in the body, including the brain, bones, heart, and skin.
For example:
Hot flushes result from changes in how your body regulates temperature, influenced by oestrogen.
Mood changes are often linked to how fluctuating hormones interact with brain chemicals like serotonin.
Vaginal dryness occurs due to a decrease in oestrogen, which helps maintain the health of vaginal tissues.
While these changes can be frustrating, they’re a natural part of the body’s transition to a new phase of life.
What Can I Do to Feel Better?
The good news is there are many ways to manage perimenopause naturally:
Balance Your Diet
Focus on nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Incorporate phytoestrogens, such as flaxseeds and soy, which may help balance hormone levels.
Stay hydrated to combat fatigue and dryness.
Prioritise Sleep
Create a calming bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and consider herbal teas like chamomile or passionflower.
Address night sweats with breathable pyjamas and cooling bedding.
Manage Stress
Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help balance cortisol levels and improve overall well-being.
Adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola may also support stress resilience.
Move Your Body
Regular exercise, including strength training and gentle stretching, supports bone health, reduces stress, and improves mood.
Support Hormonal Health
Herbal medicine such as Vitex (Chaste Tree) and Black Cohosh are often used to balance hormones.
Consult a naturopath or herbalist for personalised recommendations tailored to your symptoms.
When Should I Seek Help?
While many symptoms of perimenopause are manageable, some require medical attention. Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if:
Your symptoms are severe and impact your daily life.
You experience heavy or prolonged bleeding.
You have unexpected spotting or bleeding between periods.
You feel persistently down or anxious.
A holistic practitioner, such as a naturopath, can help create a tailored plan to support your journey through perimenopause naturally.
What’s Next? Embracing This Phase
Perimenopause can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and reconnection with yourself. By tuning in to your body, seeking support when needed, and embracing natural approaches, you can navigate this transition with confidence and grace.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether through personalised consultations, herbal medicine, or lifestyle adjustments, help is available to make this time in your life more manageable—and even empowering.
If you have more questions or need guidance on your perimenopause journey, I’d love to support you. Let’s work together to help you feel your best, naturally.
Closing Thought
Your perimenopause experience is uniquely yours, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about it. With the right knowledge and tools, this can be a time of rediscovery and empowerment. Are you ready to take the first step towards thriving in this phase of life?
See you soon,
Ayelet
