How Will I Know If I’m Going Through Perimenopause?

If you’ve found yourself googling “Why do I feel like I’m falling apart?” or “Am I going crazy or is it hormones?” - you’re not alone.

For many women, perimenopause arrives unannounced and unrecognised. The changes can be confusing, confronting and at times, genuinely frightening.You might still be getting your period (maybe even regularly), but something just feels... off. Your sleep is a mess, your mood’s unpredictable, your energy is flat - and no one seems to be joining the dots.Let’s change that.

Wait, What Even Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause - when your hormones start fluctuating and your biology starts to change. It can start before your period actually stops.The hormonal changes can affect everything from your brain and body to your sleep, mood and metabolism.

Common signs of perimenopause include:

• Sleep issues (can’t fall asleep or waking at 3am for no reason)

• Hot flushes or night sweats (even mild ones you might not associate with menopause)

• New or worsening anxiety, low mood, or emotional overwhelm

• Brain fog, poor concentration, or memory issues

• Irregular periods or heavier/lighter bleeding

• Weight gain or body changes that don’t respond like they used to

• Vaginal dryness, low libido, or pain with sex

• A general sense of “I just don’t feel like myself”

But No One Told Me This Could Happen So EarlyWe hear this all the time.

“I thought I was too young for menopause - I was only 42, still getting my period and feeling all over the place. But I wasn’t sleeping, snapping at my kids, and crying at work. And, it turns out, yep, perimenopause.”

Many women we speak to had never even heard the word “perimenopause” until they were knee-deep in symptoms. They were convinced something was seriously wrong - like an autoimmune disease or mental health crisis. We’ve even spoken to women who thought they may have a life threatening disease because they felt so bad. And yet, after all the usual tests coming back ‘normal’, no one mentioned perimenopause.Here’s the thing: perimenopause is generally not diagnosed by blood tests. But that doesn’t mean it’s all in your head.

So How Do You Know If It’s Perimenopause?

There’s no single test to diagnose perimenopause. Instead, it’s based on your age, symptoms, menstrual changes and medical history.

Some helpful indicators:

• You’re in your early to late-40s (but it can even start in your late 30s)

• You’ve noticed changes in your cycle (timing, flow or symptoms)

• You’re experiencing 2 or more of the symptoms listed above

• You’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still feel far from fine

Trust your instincts. If something feels off - it’s worth investigating properly. A knowledgeable practitioner who understands midlife women’s health can often spot the signs quickly and offer real support.

You’re Not AloneIf you’re wondering whether this is perimenopause, chances are... it definitely could be (but you also do need to rule out other issues).The main thing we want you to know - is that you don’t have to just “put up with it” or wait until things get worse.There are evidence-based options, lifestyle strategies, and (yes) medical treatments like MHT (menopausal hormone therapy) that can make a massive difference.You deserve clarity. You deserve support. And you’re not too young to be taken seriously.

Need help figuring it all out?

Book a Peri Assessment with us at Midlife Women’s Clinic.

We’re here to help you make sense of what’s happening - and what to do next

Better is possible

Sharon & Tania, Co-Founders, Midlife Women’s Clinic