The 10 Most Common Questions Women Over 40 Ask About Perimenopause

Perimenopause—it’s that phase nobody tells you much about until you’re smack-bang in the middle of it, googling symptoms at 3 a.m. Sound familiar? Rest assured, you’re definitely not alone. Plenty of women in their 40s and beyond have similar questions, so we're here to break down the most common ones.

1. What is perimenopause, and how is it different from menopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional stage where your hormones start fluctuating in the lead-up to menopause and symptoms like irregular periods, night sweats, mood swings, headaches or hot flushes start to creep in.

Menopause, on the other hand, is the main event (a point in time)—when your period has officially been MIA for 12 months.

2. What are the early signs of perimenopause?

Oh lawd, where to start? Irregular periods, night sweats, hot flushes, mood swings, sleep issues, and sometimes a touch of brain fog. Basically, your body sends you a little note with each of these symptoms to let you know “Buckle up! We’re gearing up for a big change.”

3. When does perimenopause usually begin?

For most women, it kicks off in their 40s, but some notice changes as early as their mid-30s. It’s a wildly individual timeline—your body’s clock will do its own thing.

For some women, it can be helpful to start a journal logging your symptoms. Doing this can help you feel like you're in the driving seat with it and start to paint a full picture for yourself. It can also be super helpful to look at what foods and drinks trigger symptoms or make them worse.

For other women whose symptoms aren't too wild, they're happy just going with the flow.

4. Why is weight gain so common during perimenopause?

It’s not just your imagination—your metabolism is slowing, and hormonal shifts can affect fat storage. Add in less muscle mass and the occasional stress snack, and voilà! Combat it with regular movement, strength training, and foods that keep you feeling good, especially protein to ensure you maintain muscle mass which we start losing after 40.

Our high-protein, low-carb, adaptogenic, vegan protein blends have been specifically created for women going through perimenopause. Check them out here.

5. What can I do about the symptoms?

The good news? There are plenty of options. Lifestyle changes like better sleep, stress management, and exercise can work wonders in the first instance.  If though you find lifestyle tweaks and natural supports aren't making the in-roads you need, you may like to have a chat with your health provider about Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as another possible option.  It’s all about finding what works for you.

Our Super Lattes are loaded with super hero ingredients such as magnesium, collagen and hops to help manage perimenopause symptoms. Find out more here.

6. Can perimenopause affect my mental health?

Absolutely. Those hormone shifts can lead to mood swings, anxiety, or even depression. If you’re feeling off, talk to someone—whether it’s a friend, therapist, or doctor. You don’t have to (and please don't) power through it alone.

7. Can I still get pregnant during perimenopause?

Yes, though it’s less likely as ovulation becomes irregular. If you’re not planning on a surprise addition to the family, keep using contraception until your doctor gives you the all-clear.

8. How does this affect my bones?

Estrogen plays a big role in bone health, so when it dips, your bones can lose density. Strength training, calcium, and vitamin D can help keep things strong and steady.

9. What lifestyle changes make the biggest difference?

Small tweaks can lead to big results: think balanced meals, consistent movement, mindfulness, and ditching triggers like caffeine if they’re making symptoms worse. And yes, staying hydrated is underrated but life-changing.

Have two of SheBANG! super lattes daily to help manage perimenopause symptoms such as broken sleep, night sweats, hot flushes, hormonal headaches, fluid retention. Find out more here.

10. When should I see a doctor?

If symptoms are interfering with your life—sleep issues, mood changes, or irregular bleeding that doesn’t feel right—and changes you've made aren't helping, it’s time for a chat with your healthcare provider. They can help you navigate the options and feel like yourself again.

Perimenopause can feel you're wandering around in the dark, but with the right information, it’s one you can take steps to solve.

Take it one step at a time, and don’t forget: you’re not alone in this.