If you’re starting to notice changes in your mood, your energy, your sleep, or your cycle, you might be wondering: Is this perimenopause? Maybe you’ve been told you’re “too young,” or maybe you’ve been handed a prescription for anxiety or insomnia without much discussion. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.
Perimenopause is an often misunderstood, overlooked, and under-discussed phase of life—but it doesn’t have to be.
Let’s talk about what perimenopause really is, how it affects your whole body, and how you can prepare for this transition with knowledge, self-compassion, and confidence.
Signs, Symptoms, and What to Expect in Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, when your ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone. It can begin as early as your late 30s, and typically lasts 4 to 8 years. Officially, you reach menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months.
But here’s the catch:
Menopause is defined in retrospect.
That means all the hormonal ups and downs before your final period—which are often the most symptomatic and disruptive—aren’t even technically counted in the official diagnosis.
This outdated definition leaves many women feeling confused and dismissed when they bring up their concerns to healthcare providers.
Perimenopause Symptoms Go Beyond Period Changes: What You Need to Know
Many of us were taught to think of menopause as just the end of periods and the occasional hot flash. But in reality, it’s a whole-body experience.
During perimenopause, you might experience:
- Increased anxiety or irritability
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia or sleep disruptions
- Weight changes, especially around the midsection
- Irregular periods or heavier/lighter flows
- Low libido or vaginal dryness
- Joint pain or fatigue
These symptoms are driven by fluctuating hormones—and they affect your brain, mood, muscles, digestion, and more.
Hot flashes are just one piece of the puzzle.
If you’re struggling, you’re not imagining it. And you deserve support that addresses the whole picture.
Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Sleep: It Might Be Perimenopause
Many women in their 40s are prescribed SSRIs (antidepressants) when they report new or worsening anxiety, depression, or sleep issues. While SSRIs can be helpful for some, they’re not always the most effective or appropriate first step—especially if hormonal shifts are the root cause.
Estrogen plays a key role in mood regulation, serotonin production, and sleep quality. As it fluctuates during perimenopause, it can cause symptoms that mimic or amplify mental health issues.
Getting the right care starts with understanding what’s really happening in your body.
That might mean looking into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, or working with a menopause-informed therapist.
If you’re wondering what support might be right for you, our care team is here to help you sort through it all. Schedule a free consultation call today.
Menopause and Sexual Health: Breaking the Silence on Intimacy Changes
Despite the fact that every woman goes through menopause, many of us feel totally unprepared for it. That’s no accident.
Generations of shame, secrecy, and cultural stigma have kept menopause (and the changes in sexuality that often accompany it) in the shadows.
The result? Women can feel blindsided, dismissed, and isolated at a time when they most need compassion and clarity.
Let’s normalize the conversation. Let’s talk about desire changes, vaginal health, body image, and intimacy without shame. Let’s stop pretending that this phase of life is something to endure silently.
Why We Need to Teach the Full Reproductive Life Cycle—Including Menopause
If we want to shift the narrative, we have to start with the next generation. That means:
- Talking to our daughters and sons about the full arc of reproductive health
- Including menopause as a normal, expected part of life
- Teaching that hormonal changes don’t diminish our worth—they transform us
When we model openness and empowerment, we help our children understand that bodies change, and that’s okay. We reduce shame. We increase empathy. And we create space for more supportive communities.
Perimenopause Misinformation vs. Evidence-Based Care: Know the Red Flags2
Social media can be a wonderful place to find community—but it can also spread misinformation like wildfire. From unproven supplements to fear-based messaging about HRT, it can be hard to know what to trust.
Red flags to watch for:
- One-size-fits-all treatment claims
- Providers who dismiss your concerns with “you’re too young”
- Fear-based marketing tactics
- Influencers without medical credentials
Instead, look for:
- Providers who specialize in midlife women’s health
- Therapists familiar with hormonal transitions
- Evidence-backed solutions tailored to your symptoms
Not sure if your provider is menopause-informed? Ask them:
- How familiar are you with current menopause management guidelines?
- What are your thoughts on HRT, and who do you consider a good candidate?
- Do you regularly treat patients in perimenopause?
Need help preparing for that conversation? Our clinicians can support you in advocating for yourself. Book a consultation to get started.
How to Prepare for Perimenopause Before Symptoms Start
Too many women wait until they’re in crisis to seek support. But the earlier you begin learning about perimenopause, the more empowered and confident you’ll feel moving through it. When you understand what changes are coming and why, it becomes easier to track your symptoms and hormonal shifts over time. You can start building a support team that includes menopause-informed providers and therapists, and explore treatment options with more clarity and less urgency. Whether you’re already experiencing perimenopausal symptoms or just beginning to notice subtle changes, it’s never too early (or too late) to start the conversation
Frequently Asked Questions About Perimenopause
What are the first signs of perimenopause?
Common early symptoms include irregular periods, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety or irritability. These changes are often due to shifting hormone levels.
Can perimenopause cause anxiety and depression?
Yes. Estrogen impacts serotonin and other brain chemicals that regulate mood. As levels fluctuate, many women report increased anxiety, depression, or emotional sensitivity.
Is it normal to have trouble sleeping during perimenopause?
Absolutely. Hormonal changes can disrupt your sleep cycles, leading to insomnia or waking up frequently at night. Addressing the root hormonal cause can help improve rest.
When should I see a therapist for perimenopause symptoms?
If symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, or emotional overwhelm are interfering with your daily life or relationships, therapy can be an important part of your care. A therapist informed about hormonal transitions can offer coping tools and emotional support.
How is perimenopause different from menopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, which is defined as going 12 months without a period. Most symptoms occur during perimenopause—before menopause is officially diagnosed.
Navigating Perimenopause: Get the Support You Deserve
Perimenopause is a normal part of life—but that doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone or uninformed. With the right support, this can be a time of growth, empowerment, and renewed self-connection.
If you’re feeling confused, anxious, or overwhelmed by changes in your body or mood, we’re here to help. Our team of compassionate clinicians understands the nuances of this transition, and we’re ready to walk with you through it.
Schedule a free consultation call today to learn how we can support you in navigating perimenopause with clarity and care.
You deserve to feel seen, supported, and empowered—every step of the way.
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