Could It Be Perimenopause? 34 Signs Women Often Miss

When most people think about perimenopause, they think about hot flushes and irregular periods. But did you know there are dozens of symptoms linked to the menopause transition?

Many women spend years wondering why they suddenly feel anxious, exhausted, forgetful, or unlike themselves without realising hormones may be playing a role.

Looking back on my own journey, there were several symptoms I experienced that I never connected to perimenopause. I knew about hot flushes, but things like brain fog, disrupted sleep, irritability and changes in confidence caught me completely by surprise.

While every woman's experience is different, recognising the signs can help you seek support earlier and make sense of what's happening in your body.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause. It can begin as early as your mid-30s or as late as your mid-40s and typically lasts several years. During this time, estrogen and progesterone fluctuate significantly, which can affect nearly every system in the body.

34 Signs of Perimenopause

Menstrual Changes

1. Irregular periods

2. Heavier bleeding

3. Lighter periods

4. Spotting between periods

Sleep & Energy

5. Fatigue

6. Difficulty falling asleep

7. Waking during the night

8. Night sweats

Brain & Mood

9. Brain fog

10. Forgetfulness

11. Anxiety

12. Irritability

13. Mood swings

14. Loss of confidence

15. Low mood

Physical Symptoms

16. Hot flushes

17. Joint aches

18. Muscle soreness

19. Headaches

20. Dizziness

21. Heart palpitations

22. Tinnitus

23. Weight gain

24. Bloating

Skin, Hair & Body Changes

25. Dry skin

26. Itchy skin

27. Hair thinning

28. Brittle nails

Sexual & Urinary Health

29. Vaginal dryness

30. Reduced libido

31. Pain during sex

32. Increased urinary urgency

33. Recurrent urinary tract infections

Other Changes

34. Reduced stress tolerance

When Should You See Your Doctor?

If symptoms are impacting your quality of life, please don't suffer in silence.

Tracking symptoms can help identify patterns and support conversations with your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaway

Perimenopause looks different for every woman. You don't need to experience every symptom on this list, and having one or two doesn't automatically mean you're in perimenopause. But understanding the possible signs can help you connect the dots, advocate for yourself, and navigate this transition with greater confidence.

Download my FREE ‘Is this Menopause? Symptoms Checklist & Tracker’

If you want to understand your body, what’s happening and how to create your own menopause vision and action plan, pre-register for my 6 week Reignite program.