Perimenopause Symptoms

Perimenopause symptoms can creep up on us once we hit a certain time in our lives. For some women, it can be around 40 years of age, other women: late 30s even earlier.

Perimenopause can make us feel like we're going mad especially with symptoms around mood swings, anxiety and broken sleep.

If you're a woman around or over the age of 40 experiencing any of the following symptoms you may well be going through perimenopause.

We recommend having a chat with your health care professional if your symptoms are severe and drastically affecting your quality of life.

Click perimenopause symptoms below for more info:

Broken sleep

Perimenopause can absolutely disrupt sleep. You may find it harder to get to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night and hard to get back to sleep.

Find all our helpful sleep articles to help you get a good night sleep right here

Mood swings

New or increased premenstrual mood swings

Mood changes - anxiety, depression, rage

Learn more about Mood changes - anxiety, depression, rage in perimenopause.

Hot Flushes + Night Sweats

Hot flushes and night sweats are common symptoms of perimenopause, characterised by sudden, intense waves of heat and profuse sweating, often accompanied by a rapid heart rate and can disrupt sleep and daily activities.

Brain fog

Perimenopause can cause us to feel super foggy in the brain region - not fun when we have to carry on business as usual!

Have a read of our helpful article with tips to overcome brain fog in perimenopause.

Period changes

New-onset heavy and/or longer flow, shorter menstrual cycle (25 days or less)

Weight Gain

Weight gain, despite no changes to diet or exercise, due to the metabolism slowing down or insulin resistance.

Migraines & Headaches

New or markedly increased migraine headaches

Sore, swollen or lumpy breasts

Breast tenderness is a frequently experienced symptom during perimenopause, marked by increased sensitivity and discomfort in the breasts due to hormonal fluctuations.

Increased menstrual cramps

In the phase of perimenopause, there are fluctuations in estrogen levels, leading to the possibility of experiencing heavy, irregular periods and cramping.

Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness during perimenopause is a frequently experienced symptom, marked by increased sensitivity and discomfort in the breasts due to hormonal fluctuations.

Itchy/crawly/dry skin

Itchy, crawly, and dry skin can be a bothersome issue in perimenopause, often attributed to declining estrogen levels, leading to reduced skin hydration and elasticity.

Trouble concentrating

Difficulty concentrating is a common cognitive symptom in perimenopause, often associated with hormonal fluctuations that can impact cognitive function and focus. Read articles

Vaginal dryness

Learn more about Vaginal dryness

Loss of libido

Loss of libido is a frequent concern during perimenopause, characterised by a decreased sexual desire, often due to hormonal changes and associated symptoms such as vaginal dryness and mood fluctuations.

More intense PMS

Perimenopause can lead to more intense premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, as hormonal fluctuations and imbalances can exacerbate mood swings, bloating, and irritability in the lead-up to menstruation.