Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause. Hormone levels change and can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Many people don’t realise symptoms can start in their late 30s or early 40s.
Talking to your doctor can help you understand what’s happening in your body and what support is available.
Symptoms Can Look Different for Everyone
Perimenopause doesn’t just mean hot flushes.
Common symptoms can include:
- Irregular periods
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes or anxiety
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Joint aches
- Weight or body composition changes
- Vaginal dryness or bladder symptoms
Many of these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions — so it’s important not to assume or self-diagnose.
Rule Out Other Medical Causes
Some symptoms of perimenopause can also be caused by:
- Thyroid problems
- Iron deficiency
- Mental health conditions
- Autoimmune disease
- Sleep disorders
Your doctor can help make sure nothing else is being missed.
There are great treatment options
Support might include:
- Lifestyle and nutrition strategies
- Sleep support
- Non-hormonal medications
- Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) if appropriate
- Mental health support
- Pelvic floor or sexual health support
Treatment is individualised — there is no “one size fits all”.
To protect long-term health
Hormonal changes can affect:
- Bone health
- Heart health
- Metabolic health
- Brain health
Early conversations help you plan prevention strategies, not just symptom treatment. Consider a peri / menopause health assessment or a 45–49 years health assessment with your GP.
You don’t have to navigate it alone
Perimenopause can affect:
- Work performance
- Relationships
- Confidence
- Exercise tolerance
- Overall quality of life
Getting support early often makes a big difference.
Perimenopause is a normal life stage — but struggling through symptoms is not something you have to accept.
Support is available, and early conversations often lead to better outcomes.
