How to Spot the Early Signs of Perimenopause

Perimenopause: the phase of life where your body decides to throw a hormonal house party, but forgets to send you an invitation. One day, you’re cruising along just fine, and the next, you're crying over a cat video while simultaneously sweating through your shirt. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re entering perimenopause or just losing your mind, here are the early signs to watch out for—plus a few tips on how to cope.

1. Your Periods Are Playing Hide-and-Seek

Your once-predictable menstrual cycle now operates on its own chaotic schedule. One month, you might get your period twice; the next, it’s missing in action. It’s like your uterus is moonlighting as a magician—now you see it, now you don’t!

How to Handle It: Track your cycle using an app or good old-fashioned calendar. Knowing what’s happening (or not happening) can help you plan ahead and avoid being caught off guard. We'd also recommend checking out this brilliant UK-based organisation, Menopause Matters, who provide latest information, research and guidance on how to get through these changes. 

2. Hot Flashes: The Surprise Sauna Sessions

One minute, you’re fine. The next, you feel like you’re trapped in a car with the heater stuck on high in the middle of summer. Hot flashes and night sweats can make you feel like a human radiator at the most inconvenient times—like in a work meeting or while trying to sleep.

How to Handle It: Dress in layers, keep a fan nearby, and avoid caffeine and spicy foods (unless you enjoy adding fuel to the fire). Cooling pillows and lightweight bedding can also help keep night sweats in check.

3. Mood Swings That Rival a Teenager’s

One moment, you're feeling great; the next, you’re ready to bite someone's head off for chewing too loudly. If your emotions have become a rollercoaster ride, blame it on fluctuating oestrogen levels.

How to Handle It:  Regular exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep can help regulate mood swings. And if you do snap at someone, a heartfelt apology (or a surprise snack) usually helps smooth things over.

4. Sleep? Never Heard of It

Remember when you could sleep through the night? Ah, those were the days. Insomnia, frequent wake-ups, and tossing and turning are all common signs of perimenopause.

How to Handle It:  Establish a bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing. If all else fails, embrace naps like a pro.

5. Brain Fog: Where Did I Put My...Wait, What Was I Saying?

If you’ve ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why, welcome to the wonderful world of perimenopausal brain fog. Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating can make even simple tasks feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube.

How to Handle It:  Make lists, set reminders, and cut yourself some slack. Your brain is doing its best under hormonal duress.

6. Weight Gain (Even Though You Swear You’re Eating the Same)

Despite your best efforts, the scale seems to have a mind of its own. Hormonal shifts can slow metabolism and cause weight to settle in new, unwelcome places.

How to Handle It:  Focus on strength training, a balanced diet, and staying active. And remember, weight doesn’t define you—confidence does!

7. Weird New Symptoms You Never Expected

Dry skin? Check. Thinning hair? Yep. Sudden food sensitivities? Why not! Perimenopause brings a variety of surprises, some more baffling than others.

How to Handle It: Take care of your skin with hydration and gentle products, consider a biotin supplement for hair health, and listen to your body’s new dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos 

Perimenopause is unpredictable, frustrating, and sometimes downright bizarre. But the good news? You’re not alone, and with the right approach, you can navigate this phase with grace (or at least minimal public meltdowns). Stock up on cooling towels, keep chocolate nearby, and remind yourself—you’ve survived every other phase of life, and you’ll conquer this one, too!