Lately, you might not feel like yourself.
You’re more forgetful. More irritable. More exhausted. You’re not sleeping properly. Your mood feels unpredictable.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone.
Perimenopause brings major hormonal changes that can affect your body, mood and confidence in ways you might not expect.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause.
During this time, oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and gradually decline. Ovulation becomes less regular, which often causes changes to your menstrual cycle.
It typically starts in your mid-to-late 40s and can last several years. Once you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you’ve reached menopause.
Common Symptoms
There are over 30 recognised symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Irregular or changing periods
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Poor sleep
- Brain fog and memory issues
- Low mood, anxiety or irritability
- Vaginal dryness
- Joint and muscle aches
- Bladder changes
- Reduced libido
Not everyone experiences all of these and symptoms vary in intensity.
What Can Help?
Move Your Body
Exercise boosts mood, improves sleep and supports bone health. Strength training is especially helpful during this stage.
Review Alcohol and Caffeine
Both can worsen sleep, anxiety, hot flushes and bladder symptoms. Reducing intake may make a noticeable difference.
Prioritise Self-Care
Simple, consistent time for yourself — reading, walking, seeing friends — can help you feel more grounded and in control.
- Treatment Options
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can ease many symptoms by stabilising oestrogen levels.
- Non-hormonal medications are also available.
- Talking therapies, including CBT and IPT, can help you manage mood changes, anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
- Perimenopause is a natural transition — but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle through it alone.
If you’d like support during this stage of life, you can complete our contact form here:
