Is This Normal? Decoding the Early Signs of Perimenopause
One of the most asked questions by women in their 40s (and let’s be honest — whispered in every group chat) is:
"Is this normal... or am I losing the plot?"
Welcome to perimenopause — the not-quite-there-yet stage before menopause that can leave you feeling like a stranger in your own body.
And yep, those weird, wonderful, and often frustrating symptoms you’re experiencing? They’re probably more common than you think.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening — and what signs to look out for.
What is Perimenopause (in Plain English)?
Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause — when your hormones (mainly oestrogen and progesterone) start fluctuating wildly.
This stage can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years (cheers for that), usually starting in your 40s — though for some women it kicks off even earlier.
Your body is essentially recalibrating — and in the process, it can throw a whole lot of curveballs your way.
Early Signs of Perimenopause (You’re Not Imagining It)
Here are some of the most common early warning signs women around the age of 40 experience and can indicate the beginning of perimenopause:
1. Broken Sleep + 3am Wake-ups
Waking in the middle of the night (often drenched in sweat or wired with anxiety)? Classic peri behaviour.
More about getting good sleep in perimenopause here
2. Irregular Periods
Longer, shorter, heavier, or weirdly spaced cycles? All normal. The ‘perfectly predictable’ cycle starts to unravel.
What are your periods trying to tell you? Read more here.
3. Hot Flushes & Night Sweats
Flashes of heat that rise out of nowhere — sometimes with flushing or sweating — even if you’re usually freezing cold.
How to manage night sweats and hot flushes in perimenopause HERE.
4. Mood Swings, Rage & Anxiety
Feeling flat, edgy, snappy or ready to throat punch your partner for breathing too loud? Hormonal changes can directly impact mood regulation.
How to manage mood swings and anxiety in perimenopause
5. Brain Fog & Forgetfulness
Walking into a room and immediately forgetting why? Losing words mid-sentence? Perimenopause affects memory and cognitive function for many women.
Find out how to manage brain fog - go here.
6. Weight Changes (Especially Around the Middle)
Even if your lifestyle hasn’t changed, shifting hormones can alter how your body stores fat.
How to combat perimenopause weight gain.
7. Increased PMS Symptoms
Think PMS but dialled up — sore breasts, bloating, irritability, cravings — all lasting longer than usual.
What Can You Do?
First — breathe. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to just “put up with it.”
Modern perimenopause care is about support, not silence.
Some ideas to help manage symptoms:
→ Focus on sleep quality (routine, magnesium, stress support)
→ Prioritise strength training, intensity & movement
→ Eat enough protein (it's more than you think) and healthy fats.
→ Reduce alcohol and caffeine (sorry, we know)
→ Add daily rituals that help calm your nervous system — like herbal teas, functional lattes or adaptogen protein blends
→ Talk to a healthcare provider who actually understands perimenopause to explore ALL options.
A Little Support Can Go a Long Way
At SheBANG! Woman, we create superlattes formulated with ingredients like magnesium glycinate, collagen and hops to help manage some of the most common perimenopause struggles — like sleep disturbances, mood swings, night sweats, hot flushes, hormonal headaches and fluid retention. Find out more about our superlattes developed just for perimenopause symptoms, here.
Because while we can’t control our hormones completely — we can create small daily supports to help us feel the whole SheBANG! again.
Final Word?
If you’re sitting there googling:
"Is this perimenopause?"
"Am I too young for this?"
"Is this normal?"
Chances are... you’ve got your answer.
And the good news is — there’s a whole community of women who get it.
Welcome to the club. We’ll save you a seat.
