Before menopause officially begins, women go through a transition period called perimenopause, which can start in the late 30s or early 40s and last for several years. During this time, your hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—start fluctuating, leading to a variety of symptoms. While menopause is defined as having gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle, perimenopause is the phase leading up to that point when your body is gradually making the transition.

Some of the most common symptoms of perimenopause include:

• Irregular periods – Your cycle may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter.
• Hot flashes and night sweats – Sudden waves of heat that can be uncomfortable or disruptive to sleep.
• Mood swings and anxiety – Feeling more emotional or irritable than usual.
• Sleep disturbances – Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested.
• Brain fog and memory issues – Struggling with focus, forgetfulness, or mental clarity.
• Weight gain and metabolism changes – Often around the midsection.
• Low libido and vaginal dryness – Changes in intimacy and comfort.
• Fatigue and low energy – Feeling more drained than usual, even with rest