Is It Menopause? Recognising the Early Signs of Perimenopause
If you’ve found yourself wondering, "Is this it?" — you're not alone.
The truth is, menopause doesn’t arrive all at once. It’s a gradual, natural evolution, often starting years before your final period, and it can show up in subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways that many women aren't fully prepared for.
This phase is called perimenopause, and recognising its early signs can empower you to navigate this transition with more ease, confidence, and clarity.
At Hello Mimi, we believe knowledge is power, and when you understand what’s happening inside your body, you can move through menopause feeling supported, not blindsided. So, let’s walk through what to expect, how to listen to what your body is telling you, and why honoring these early signals is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself.
What Exactly Is Perimenopause?
Before we dive into the signs, let’s ground ourselves in what this phase actually is.
Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause — when your hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, begin to shift more dramatically. It's your body's natural way of adjusting to the next chapter of life, not a sign that anything is broken.
While menopause is officially diagnosed after you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period, perimenopause can begin years earlier (often in your 40s, sometimes even late 30s), and it can last anywhere from a few months to over a decade.
Every woman’s journey is unique, and that's why understanding your signals is so important.
The Early Signs of Perimenopause to Look Out For
The early signs of perimenopause can vary widely. Some women feel just subtle shifts; for others, the changes can be more intense.
Here’s what you might notice:
Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle
Often the very first sign. You might experience:
Irregular periods (shorter, longer, heavier, lighter)
Skipping periods
Changes in flow Hormonal fluctuations are usually the cause, but if you notice significant changes, it’s always wise to check in with your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Those sudden surges of heat, sweating, flushing, and a racing heartbeat — hot flashes can show up during perimenopause, even years before menopause itself.
At night, they often appear as night sweats, disrupting your sleep and leaving you feeling drained by morning.
Sleep Disruptions
Hormonal shifts can make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake feeling rested.
Progesterone, a calming hormone, tends to decline first, impacting your ability to drift off or stay asleep deeply.
Mood Changes
Feel more irritable, anxious, or emotionally tender than usual? You’re not imagining it.
Hormonal fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, impacting your emotional resilience. It's not weakness—it's physiology.
Support for your nervous system and emotional wellbeing becomes essential.
Vaginal Changes and Libido Shifts
Declining estrogen can cause vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and a dip in libido.
These changes are natural — and there are supportive ways to help you stay connected to pleasure and intimacy without pain or shame.
Weight Changes and Slower Metabolism
Finding it harder to manage weight even if your habits haven’t changed?
Shifts in estrogen can slow your metabolism and redistribute fat, often around the midsection.
This isn’t about failure—it’s about physiology, and it can be supported with nourishment, movement, and stress regulation.
Brain Fog and Energy Drops
Many women notice changes in focus, memory, or overall mental clarity during perimenopause. Fatigue can sneak up, even after a full night's sleep.
Your brain and body are adjusting to a new hormonal baseline, and it’s okay to honor the need for deeper rest and care.
When Should You See a Doctor?
While many symptoms are a natural part of the transition, it’s important to stay connected to your health team if:
Your symptoms are severe or disruptive
You experience heavy or unusual bleeding
You feel "off" in a way that concerns you
Listening to your body is an act of empowerment, not alarm. If you feel like something isn’t right, seek support - you deserve it.
How to Start Supporting Yourself Now
You don’t have to wait until menopause is in full swing to start feeling better.
At Hello Mimi, we believe that early support is the key to moving through perimenopause and menopause with ease, strength, and grace.
Some small but powerful first steps:
Nourish your body with blood sugar-balancing meals
Move with joy to support your metabolism and emotional resilience
Prioritize rest and deepen your nervous system care
Stay curious about your changing needs instead of frustrated by them
Connect with a supportive community—you are never meant to do this alone
You’re Not Alone — and You’re Not Broken
Perimenopause isn’t the end, it’s a powerful beginning. It’s your body calling you home to yourself, inviting you to listen more deeply, and guiding you toward a new phase of vibrant living.
At Hello Mimi, we’re here to walk this path with you—providing the tools, education, and heart-centered support you deserve.
You’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re evolving and your best, brightest, most powerful years are still ahead.
👉 Ready to feel more supported through your menopause transition?
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Or, if you’re looking for more structured support, check out our 7 Day Menopause Reset to explore our guided, week long course to help ease menopause overwhelm and build healthy habits that will support your body to thrive in menopause.