Perimenopause: The Stage Nobody Talks About Enough

Hot flushes are just the beginning. Here is what perimenopause really looks like — and why recognising it early can change everything.

Most women know what menopause means. Fewer are aware of perimenopause, the transition that can start years, perhaps a decade, before your periods stop.

It is one of the most significant hormonal transitions a woman will undergo. But it is often misdiagnosed, linked to stress or concern, and largely unaddressed. This must be changed.

What Does Perimenopause Mean?

Perimenopause means 'around menopause'. It describes how your ovaries slowly start to make less of the hormone oestrogen. This can start as early as your late 30s. But is most commonly seen from your mid-40s onwards.

Menopause itself is defined as the point in which you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Everything leading up to that moment, which can last anywhere from two to twelve years, is perimenopause.

What Are the Signs?

The symptoms of perimenopause are wide-ranging and often unexpected. Many women are surprised to learn that what they are experiencing is hormone-related at all. Signs can include:

– Irregular periods — cycles becoming shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter

– Hot flushes and night sweats

– Sleep disturbances

– Mood changes, including anxiety and low mood

– Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

– Reduced libido

– Joint aches and changes in skin and hair

– Vaginal dryness

Because periods are still occurring — even if irregularly — many women and their GPs attribute these symptoms to stress, depression, or thyroid issues rather than hormonal transition. If you recognise these signs, it is worth specifically raising perimenopause with your doctor.

Why Recognising It Early Matters

Perimenopause is not a medical emergency situation. However, it is an essential life stage that requires attention and care. Left unacknowledged, its symptoms can quietly erode quality of life for years.

Early recognition also allows women to make informed decisions. whether it is researching lifestyle changes, HRT ( hormone replacement treatment ) or even just attempting to understand why they feel the way they do.

The fluctuation in oestrogen that occurs during perimenopause also has an impact on longer term health, including effects on bone density and cardiovascular health. These are not things to neglect.

What Can Help

Talk to your GP: Especially about whether HRT would be right for you. The evidence base for HRT has increased greatly over recent years, and many women find it extremely helpful.
Be proactive about your sleep: Focus on sleep hygiene, minimise alcohol and consider cooling items for night sweats.
Nutrition: Phytoestrogens (found in foods such as soy and flaxseed) and magnesium can help improve hormonal balance.
Move your body: Weight-bearing exercise is extremely helpful in protecting bone density.
Find community: Perimenopause can be isolating, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s really useful to talk to other women who are going through the same thing.

You Are Not Imagining It

If you have been feeling unlike yourself and have not been able to put your finger on why, perimenopause might be the missing piece. It does not mean your best years are behind you — far from it. It means your body is changing, and it deserves the right support.

MUVA's menopause section is built to help you find exactly that — curated products and trusted information for every stage of the transition.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

hello@wearemuva.com User

A passionate wellness writer bringing you evidence-based health insights.