Are You in Perimenopause?

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms

Have you started noticing changes in your cycle? Maybe your periods are getting heavier or are less regular. Are you more irritable than usual? Experiencing headaches or joint pain? Maybe you’re even having some mild hot flashes and trouble sleeping from night sweats.

If you're in your late 30s or 40s and noticing changes in your body, you could be entering Perimenopause.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to Menopause, when your body undergoes hormonal changes that can affect everything from your menstrual cycle to your mood. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to 10 years.

Every woman will experience this transitional phase differently – including the age Perimenopause begins and the symptoms that occur. But there are some common signs and symptoms that you can look for to know when you’ve started this new stage.

So how do you know if you're Perimenopausal? We’ll break down the key indicators of Perimenopause to help you understand what to expect during this important transition.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the stage before Menopause, when your body gradually produces less estrogen. This process typically begins in your 40s, though for some women, it can start in their mid-30s to late-30s. Perimenopause ends when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, marking the beginning of Menopause.

During Perimenopause, your hormone levels fluctuate, causing a range of physical and emotional symptoms. For some women, these changes are subtle, for others, they are more severe. Symptoms of Perimenopause can also increase in severity the closer you get to Menopause.

Signs You Are Perimenopausal

Age

Most women start going through Perimenopause in their early to mid-40s, however, some women start earlier – even as early as 35. On average, Perimenopause lasts about 4 years, but every woman is different. For some, Perimenopause will last only a few months, for others it will last a decade. Your Perimenopause experience is unique to you.

Irregular Periods

One of the first signs of Perimenopause is changes in your menstrual cycle. Periods become irregular due to the fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, the two primary hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

This hormonal imbalance can cause:

• Periods that are closer together or farther apart
• Heavier or lighter bleeding
• Spotting between periods

This is because, as you age, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, and ovulation becomes less and less predictable. In the earlier stages of Perimenopause, your body may still release eggs, but the timing of ovulation becomes more erratic. This means the length of your menstrual cycle can vary—some months you may have shorter cycles and other months your cycles may be further apart.

In addition, changing progesterone levels can lead to heavier or lighter bleeding, spotting between periods, or skipped periods altogether.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hot flashes are another hallmark sign of Perimenopause. These sudden feelings of intense heat, often followed by sweating and chills, can occur at any time of the day or night. When they happen at night, they are known as night sweats, and they can disrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling exhausted in the morning.

These two symptoms are most often associated with Menopause, but they can start earlier in your transition during Perimenopause. Then, as your body gets closer to its final period, they may intensify or become more frequent.

Mood Swings and Irritability

Your changing hormones can have a significant impact on your mood. Perimenopause is often referred to as second puberty. If you remember anything about puberty and how significantly it affected your mood as a pre-teen and teen, then you’ll understand how Perimenopause can impact your mood as a 40-something-year-old.

During Perimenopause, you may experience mood swings, increased irritability, or feelings of sadness or anxiety. Many women also report increased stress or difficulty concentrating, sometimes referred to as "brain fog." These emotional changes are completely normal and usually improve once you reach Menopause.

Disrupted Sleep

Along with night sweats, Perimenopause can cause trouble sleeping. Insomnia or waking up frequently during the night can leave you feeling restless and fatigued during the day. Hormonal changes, combined with the stress of other Perimenopausal symptoms, can significantly affect your sleep patterns.

Changes in Sexual Health

As estrogen levels decline, you may notice a decrease in libido or sexual desire. Some women also experience vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse. This is due to lower estrogen levels affecting the vaginal tissues. If these changes are affecting your quality of life, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about potential treatments.

Weight Gain or Changes in Body Composition

Many women experience weight gain during Perimenopause, particularly around the abdomen. This may be due to hormonal changes, slower metabolism, and changes in activity levels. Even if you're eating the same and exercising regularly, you might find it more difficult to maintain your weight.

Breast Tenderness

Hormonal fluctuations can also cause breast tenderness or soreness. Some women may notice that their breasts feel more swollen or sensitive than usual, which can sometimes mimic the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Changes in Hair, Skin, or Nails

Many women notice changes in their hair, skin, and nails due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly the decline in estrogen. Thinning hair or hair loss can occur in Perimenopause as estrogen levels decline and disrupt the balance between estrogen and testosterone, causing hair follicles to shrink, leading to finer or thinner hair. You may also notice more hair on your face or chin due to a slight increase in testosterone.

Estrogen also plays a key role in maintaining skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen production. As its levels drop, the skin may become thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles. You may also notice increased sensitivity or the development of age spots.

Additionally, Perimenopause can lead to changes in nail health, such as brittleness, splitting, or slower nail growth. Some women also report their nails becoming more prone to ridges or discoloration. These skin and nail changes can be managed with proper skincare, hydration, and gentle nail care, and in some cases, treatments like moisturizing creams or supplements [insert link to Perimenopause PDP] may help restore some of the lost vitality.

Joint and Muscle Pain

Many women report experiencing joint aches, stiffness, or muscle pain during Perimenopause. This can be attributed to hormonal changes that affect connective tissue and fluid retention in the joints. While this is a common symptom, it is important to differentiate it from other health issues, such as arthritis.

How Do You Know If You Are Perimenopausal?

If you're experiencing one or more of the symptoms mentioned above and you're in your late 30s to 40s, it's possible you are entering Perimenopause. Keep in mind that the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary, and not all women will experience every symptom.

The best way to confirm whether you're Perimenopausal is to consult with your healthcare provider. They may ask about your menstrual cycle, perform tests to check hormone levels, and rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

Managing Perimenopausal Symptoms

Perimenopause is a natural phase of life, and there are ways to help manage your symptoms. Here are a few self-care strategies to help you feel your best during the transition:

• Eating a balanced diet: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein can support hormone balance and overall well-being, while limiting caffeine and alcohol may reduce hot flashes and improve sleep.
• Regular movement and exercise: Daily movement and exercise is one of the most effective strategies, as it helps manage weight gain, boosts mood, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality.
• Sleep Hygiene: Creating a calming bedtime routine and keeping a cool, dark room can help improve sleep quality if you’re experiencing night sweats or disrupted sleep.
• Stress management: Techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises can help regulate mood and ease anxiety.

Natural Supplementation for Perimenopause

If you’re in Perimenopause and self-care strategies are not enough, there are natural supplements that can help support your symptoms.

Natural supplements use ingredients found in nature that have been used in traditional remedies to help support Perimenopause symptoms. Many herbal remedies have the potential to balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and support overall wellness.*

Red Clover

Red clover contains plant-based compounds known as phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen in the body to help support symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause. These compounds may help support symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and hormonal imbalance.

Promensil is made from Red Clover, which has been clinically tested to support Perimenopause symptoms.* Red Clover’s phytoestrogens (called isoflavones) act like estrogen in your body, so as your natural estrogen levels decline, Promensil’s Red Clover isoflavones step in to provide support from your symptoms.*

Other common herbs for Perimenopause support include Black Cohosh, Evening Primrose Oil, Chaste Tree Berry, Dong Quai, Ashwagandha, and Maca Root.

For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications may be recommended to alleviate severe symptoms, but it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

You Are Not Alone in Your Journey

Perimenopause is a natural part of aging that every menstruating woman will eventually go through. But this phase doesn’t have to be something to dread. By understanding the signs of Perimenopause and knowing what to expect, you can approach this stage of life with more confidence. Whether your symptoms are mild or more disruptive, there are ways to manage and navigate this transition. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to develop a plan that works best for your individual needs.