For many women, the first signs of perimenopause don’t come with a clear explanation. Instead, they may notice changes that seem unrelated – difficulty sleeping, mood swings, brain fog, irregular periods, or unexpected weight gain. Many chalk it up to stress, getting older, or simply being “too busy.”
These changes may be signs of perimenopause, a natural stage of life that often begins in a woman’s 40s, but can start as early as the mid-30s. Despite affecting millions of women, perimenopause remains one of the least talked-about health topics. We met with Cameron Health OB/GYN provider, Trisha Brown, Nurse Practitioner and Midwife, to learn more about perimenopause.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause. During this time, hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate, causing a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to as long as 10 years before menopause officially occurs. Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
Common Symptoms
Every woman’s experience is different, but common symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Decreased libido
- Joint or muscle aches
- Headaches
Because these symptoms often develop gradually, many women don’t realize they’re related to hormonal changes.
Why So Many Women Suffer in Silence
For years, conversations about menopause have been limited or avoided altogether. Some women feel embarrassed discussing their symptoms, while others assume feeling exhausted, forgetful, or emotionally overwhelmed is simply part of aging. Cameron Health hopes to change this narrative by raising awareness around perimenopause. This is not something women simply have to “push through.” Understanding what’s happening can help women seek support, explore treatment options, and improve their quality of life.
When Should You Talk to Your Healthcare Provider?
If symptoms are affecting your daily life, disrupting sleep, impacting your relationships, or making it difficult to function at work or home, it’s worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider. Your provider can help determine whether your symptoms are related to perimenopause or another medical condition and discuss options that may include:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Nutrition and exercise recommendations
- Stress management strategies
- Non-hormonal treatments
- Hormone therapy, when appropriate
Every treatment plan should be individualized based on your health history, symptoms, and goals.
Perimenopause is a natural part of life – not a condition to hide or ignore.
The more we talk about it, the more women can recognize the symptoms, seek appropriate care, and feel empowered to advocate for their health. If you’ve been wondering why your body feels different lately, know that you’re not alone. Starting the conversation with your healthcare provider is an important first step toward understanding what you’re experiencing and finding the support that’s right for you.