You are likely in perimenopause if you experience changes in your menstrual cycle such as irregular periods, with the length between periods varying by seven days or more, heavier or lighter bleeding, or skipping periods. Other symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes like irritability or anxiety, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and physical changes such as weight gain or hair loss.
Key Signs of Perimenopause
- Irregular periods: Changes in frequency, duration, or flow of menstrual bleeding.
- Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flashes and night sweats.
- Mood and mental changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue.
- Physical symptoms: Breast tenderness, headaches, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin.
- Vulvovaginal symptoms: Vaginal dryness, urinary urgency or infections.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia often linked to night sweats.
Additional Notes
- Perimenopause usually begins in the 40s but can start as early as the 30s.
- Symptoms vary widely in type and severity among individuals.
- Diagnosis can be supported by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood tests; FSH levels above 25 may suggest perimenopause.
- While perimenopause is characterized mainly by menstrual and symptom changes, it is a natural transition toward menopause.
If these symptoms apply and affect quality of life, consulting a healthcare provider for confirmation and management options is recommended.
