Is It Perimenopause? How to Spot the Signs
Many people assume that perimenopause only begins when periods stop or hot flashes arrive. But the truth is more subtle: you may already be in perimenopause even if your cycles look “normal” or your symptoms feel vague. Recognizing this transition early gives you a chance to respond proactively—not after things feel chaotic. ✨
Let’s walk through how perimenopause often hides in plain sight, which signs to watch for, and what steps you can take now.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It begins when the ovaries gradually reduce their hormone production—especially estrogen and progesterone—but before you’ve gone 12 months without a period.
Because hormones fluctuate wildly during this time (rather than steadily decline), symptoms can come and go. Some months feel “normal,” others bring surprises. 🎢
Perimenopause can last 4–8 years before menopause begins.
Why It’s Easy to Miss It
● Symptoms overlap with everyday life stressors—fatigue, mood shifts, brain fog, sleep changes. We often chalk these up to burnout, parenting, or aging.
● Periods may continue regularly, sometimes with subtle shifts.
● Hormone levels are erratic, so a single blood test may look “normal.”
● Cultural conditioning tells us menopause is “later”—so earlier hormonal changes often go unnamed.
Because these signs are easy to misattribute, many people live in perimenopause for years without recognizing it.
Common (and Sneaky) Signs of Perimenopause
Classic symptoms
● Cycle changes (shorter cycles, heavier/lighter flow, spotting)
● Hot flashes or night sweats 🔥
● Sleep disruptions
● Mood swings, irritability, anxiety
● Vaginal dryness, urinary changes, low libido
● Brain fog, memory lapses
“Low-key” or surprising symptoms
● Skin sensitivities, hair or nail changes
● Digestive shifts (bloating, gas)
● Weight gain—especially belly fat
● Joint aches or muscle tension
● Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest 😴
● Cholesterol or blood sugar changes
If multiple symptoms show up at once—across mood, cycles, sleep, and cognition—hormones are likely involved.
Functional Testing: What to Explore
Because hormones fluctuate during perimenopause, dynamic testing is more helpful than a single blood draw. Your functional or integrative practitioner may order:
● Comprehensive hormone panels (saliva, dried urine/DUTCH, or serial blood tests)
● Metabolic & lipid panels (glucose, HbA1c, lipids, fasting insulin)
● Thyroid & adrenal testing (TSH, free T4/T3, reverse T3, cortisol rhythm)
● Micronutrient & inflammation markers (vitamin D, magnesium, Bs, CRP)
● Optional gut or detox panels
Symptom tracking tools—such as the Menopause Rating Scale—can also guide targeted support.
Why Addressing It Early Matters
Unaddressed perimenopause can:
● Worsen sleep, mood, and energy
● Contribute to bone loss and metabolic imbalance
● Increase cardiovascular risk ❤️
● Accelerate vaginal or urinary symptoms
● Lower quality of life
What You Can Do Right Now (Even Without Testing)
You can start supporting your hormones today:
● Track symptoms—cycles, sleep, mood, energy
● Support gut health and reduce inflammation with whole foods
● Build consistency with sleep, stress management, and gentle movement
● Prioritize key nutrients (magnesium, omega-3s, B vitamins, vitamin D)
● Consider working with a practitioner experienced in hormonal transitions
Even if you’re unsure whether perimenopause is happening, these steps strengthen overall hormonal resilience.
Perimenopause isn’t a mysterious transition reserved for “older” women. It can begin earlier, show up subtly, and impact multiple body systems at once. The more you understand your body’s patterns and shifts, the more empowered you are to navigate this season intentionally. 🌿
Ready to get clarity, support, and a personalized plan for your hormones? 💛
Schedule a discovery call with Maryann today and see how she can help you!
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