Common Symptoms of Perimenopause

• Irregular Periods
• Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
• Sleep Disturbances
• Mood Swings & Emotional Shifts
• Vaginal Dryness, Painful Intercourse & Low Libido
• Additional Signs of Perimenopause

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the gradual transition leading up to menopause, usually starting in a woman’s 40s (though it can begin earlier or later). This phase is known for irregular hormone fluctuations, which can cause a wide range of symptoms. It’s often described as “the change before the change” or “puberty in reverse.”

The term peri- means “around” or “near,” reflecting the fact that perimenopause typically lasts four to six years, though for some, it can extend up to a decade.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

During your reproductive years, your ovaries follow a predictable hormonal cycle, producing estrogen and progesterone in regular patterns. As you enter perimenopause, these hormone levels become less consistent, causing a variety of symptoms.

Unlike a steady decline, estrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably, sometimes spiking before dropping again. These erratic shifts can lead to classic perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, disrupted sleep, and vaginal dryness.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

One of the earliest signs of perimenopause is unpredictable periods due to irregular ovulation. Your cycle may become shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, or come with new PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and bloating.

2. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

About 75% of women experience hot flashes and night sweats during perimenopause. These occur because estrogen affects the brain’s temperature regulation. As hormone levels shift, the body overcompensates, triggering sudden waves of heat and excessive sweating.

3. Sleep Disruptions & Insomnia

Nearly half of perimenopausal women report poor sleep quality. Hormonal changes can impact the body’s internal clock, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Night sweats, joint pain, and increased nighttime urination further contribute to restless nights.

4. Mood Changes & Emotional Swings

Estrogen influences dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation. As estrogen fluctuates, so can your emotions, leading to anxiety, depression, irritability, or heightened stress levels.

5. Vaginal Dryness, Painful Intercourse & Low Libido

Estrogen helps maintain moisture and elasticity in vaginal tissues. As levels drop, many women experience dryness, discomfort during sex, and a lower sex drive. Declining testosterone levels also contribute to decreased libido.

6. Additional Signs of Perimenopause

• Brain fog & trouble concentrating
• Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
• Bone density loss (often unnoticed until later in life)
• Changes in skin texture (dryness, acne, fine lines, discoloration)
• Chronic fatigue & low energy levels
• Bloating & digestive issues
• Joint pain & stiffness

As perimenopause progresses, cycles become even more sporadic, with gaps of 60+ days between periods signaling late-stage perimenopause. Once 12 months pass without a period, you have officially entered menopause.

How We Can Help

If you’re experiencing perimenopause-related symptoms and need expert guidance, our trained specialists can create a personalized care plan to help you feel your best.

Ready for personalized support? Book a Teltra Virtual Visit today!