Early Signs of Perimenopause: What Every Woman Over 40 Should Know
Feeling ‘off’ but not sure why? You’re not alone.
One day, you’re cruising through life, and the next, your body decides to rewrite the rules. Sleep is suddenly a battle, moods swing wildly, and your usual go-to strategies for feeling good just… stop working. Welcome to perimenopause—the hormonal transition that can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s.
But here’s the thing: no one really tells you about it. So, let’s fix that.
If you’ve been feeling different but can’t quite put your finger on why, here’s a breakdown of the early signs of perimenopause—and what you can do to support yourself through them.
🚩 1. Your Periods Get Weird
One of the earliest (and most frustrating) signs of perimenopause is that your once-predictable cycle starts doing its own thing.
💥 What You Might Notice:
✔️ Periods arriving too early or too late
✔️ Heavier or lighter flow than usual
✔️ Spotting between periods
✔️ A cycle that’s gone completely rogue
💡 Why It Happens:
Estrogen and progesterone—the two hormones that regulate your cycle—start fluctuating unpredictably. One month, you might have high estrogen, leading to heavy periods, and the next, low estrogen, causing skipped cycles.
Go here to read more about periods in perimenopause.
😡 2. Mood Swings That Make No Sense
Ever felt totally fine one minute and raging at your toaster the next? Or had a random wave of sadness hit you out of nowhere?
💥 What You Might Notice:
✔️ Irritability over small things
✔️ Anxiety that seems to appear from nowhere
✔️ Feeling emotionally overwhelmed for no reason
✔️ Mood swings that feel eerily similar to PMS—but worse
💡 Why It Happens:
Hormones like estrogen and serotonin (your brain’s feel-good chemical) are closely linked. When estrogen starts bouncing around, your mood does too. The result? Unpredictable emotional rollercoasters that can make you feel out of control.
Go here for more info on managing mood swings in perimenopause
🔥 3. Hot Flushes & Night Sweats (Yes, They Can Start Early)
You might think hot flushes are a menopause thing, but perimenopause says think again.
💥 What You Might Notice:
✔️ Sudden, intense heat in your face, neck, or chest
✔️ Waking up drenched in sweat—even if your room is cool
✔️ Random waves of warmth that disappear as quickly as they arrive
💡 Why It Happens:
Estrogen helps regulate body temperature, and as levels fluctuate, your body misfires its internal thermostat, leaving you feeling like a human furnace.
More about hot flushes and night sweats in perimenopause, here
💤 4. Sleep Becomes… Complicated
If you’re suddenly wide awake at 3 AM for no reason, perimenopause might be the culprit.
💥 What You Might Notice:
✔️ Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep
✔️ Waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep
✔️ Feeling exhausted no matter how much rest you get
💡 Why It Happens:
Estrogen and progesterone both play a role in helping you sleep, and when they dip, sleep disturbances can hit hard. Night sweats and increased cortisol (stress hormone) don’t help either.
Improve your sleep in perimenopause - read our guide here.
🧠 5. Brain Fog & Forgetfulness
Ever walked into a room and forgotten why? Or struggled to find the right words mid-conversation?
💥 What You Might Notice:
✔️ Forgetting things more often
✔️ Struggling with focus or mental clarity
✔️ Feeling like your brain is just slower than usual
💡 Why It Happens:
Fluctuating estrogen affects memory, focus, and verbal recall. While it’s not permanent, it can feel incredibly frustrating—especially if you’re used to being sharp.
More info here about brain fog.
💪 How to Support Yourself Through Perimenopause
The good news? You don’t have to just suffer through this. There are ways to work with your body and manage the changes:
✅ Nourish with the right foods – Prioritise protein, healthy fats, and fibre to support hormone balance.
✅ Magnesium & Adaptogens – Magnesium glycinate can help calm the nervous system and support sleep, while ashwagandha can help manage stress and mood swings.
✅ Prioritise Sleep Hygiene – Keep your room cool and dark, and try our magnesium-rich evening drink to support relaxation.
✅ Support Your Hormones with Gentle Exercise – Strength training, walking, and yoga can help regulate cortisol and balance your mood.
✅ Reduce Stimulants – Caffeine and alcohol can worsen anxiety, sleep issues, and hot flushes, so be mindful of your intake.
✅ Stay Hydrated – Dehydration can make symptoms feel worse, especially fatigue and brain fog.
☕ How SheBANG! Can Help
Perimenopause can feel like a chaotic hormonal mess, but the right support can make a huge difference. That’s why we created SheBANG!'s Peri Chai Latte—a blend of collagen, magnesium, and adaptogens designed to help women navigate perimenopause with more ease.
💛 Why It Helps:
✔️ Magnesium glycinate – Supports mood, sleep, body temp regulation and muscle relaxation
✔️ Collagen peptides – Supports joint, gut health, skin elasticity and hair and nails
✔️ Anti-inflammatory spices – Like turmeric and cinnamon, which support hormonal health
If you’re looking for natural, research-backed support for mood swings, sleep, and energy, SheBANG!'s Peri Chai Latte is a delicious (and effective) place to start.
🎯 The Bottom Line
If you’re in your 40s and suddenly feeling different, you’re not imagining it—perimenopause is real, and it starts earlier than most of us expect.
The key is to recognise the signs early so you can support your body through the transition. You’re not losing your mind—you’re just stepping into a new phase, and with the right tools, you can feel the whole SheBANG! again.
