Perimenopause is one of the most significant — and most misunderstood — transitions in a woman's life. It can begin years before your periods actually stop, and the symptoms can be so varied that many women don't realise what's happening. If you've been feeling "not quite yourself" lately, here are five signs that perimenopause could be the reason.
1. Your periods have become irregular
One of the earliest and most common signs of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. Your periods might become shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, or simply less predictable than they used to be. This happens because your ovaries are producing less oestrogen, causing your cycle to fluctuate. If your periods have changed noticeably, it's worth paying attention.
2. You're struggling to sleep
Do you find yourself waking at 3am, unable to get back to sleep? Or feeling exhausted despite a full night in bed? Sleep disturbances are incredibly common during perimenopause, often linked to fluctuating hormones and night sweats. Poor sleep then affects your mood, energy, and concentration — which can make everything feel harder.
3. Your mood feels unpredictable
Feeling more anxious, irritable, or low than usual? Hormonal changes during perimenopause can have a significant impact on your emotional wellbeing. Many women describe feeling unlike themselves — more reactive, tearful, or overwhelmed. If your mood has shifted and you can't quite explain why, hormones could be playing a role.
4. You're experiencing brain fog
Forgetting words mid-sentence, struggling to concentrate, or feeling mentally "fuzzy"? Brain fog is a surprisingly common perimenopause symptom that often goes unrecognised. Oestrogen plays an important role in brain function, so as levels fluctuate, many women notice changes in their memory and focus.
5. You're having hot flushes or night sweats
Perhaps the most well-known symptom, hot flushes — sudden waves of heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed face — affect around 75% of women during perimenopause. Night sweats are the same thing happening while you sleep, and they can seriously disrupt your rest.
What should you do if you recognise these signs?
The first step is simply getting clarity. Many women spend months — or even years — wondering if what they're experiencing is "normal" or whether something else is going on.
That's exactly why we created our free Perimenopause Quiz, developed by Dr Julie Winstanley. In just a few minutes, you can reflect on your symptoms and get a clearer picture of whether perimenopause could be behind how you're feeling.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Understanding what's happening in your body is the first step to feeling like yourself again.