Symptoms of Perimenopause

Posted on by wakeherup

Check Your Symptoms—It’s More Than Just Hot Flashes

Most of us grew up thinking menopause meant one thing: your period stops around age 50, maybe you get a few hot flashes, and that’s it.

But what about the years before that?

The truth is, the hormonal shifts leading up to menopause—called perimenopause—can start as early as 35 and last up to 10 years. And these changes can dramatically affect our bodies, minds, and daily lives.

At Wake Her Up, we want you to know: You are not crazy. It’s your hormones.

That’s why we’re breaking down the most common (and surprising) symptoms of perimenopause—so you can better understand what’s happening in your body and take back control of your health.

What Is Perimenopause?

Think of perimenopause as your second puberty—a natural but often bumpy transition marked by hormone fluctuations.

There’s no single test or “diagnosis.” Instead, it’s a phase of transformation, unique to every woman, with a wide range of symptoms that can feel overwhelming or confusing.

Most Common Symptoms

According to a survey by WeAreMorphus.com of over 3,000 women, the top reported symptoms are:

  • Fatigue / Lack of Energy – 72%

  • Brain Fog – 66%

  • Sleep Issues – 65%

  • Memory Loss / Forgetfulness – 63%

  • Anxiety – 60%

  • Joint Pain – 58%

  • Lack of Concentration – 57%

  • Lack of Focus – 57%

  • Hot Flashes – 57%

  • Low or Lost Libido – 57%

These symptoms often go misdiagnosed or dismissed, leaving many women feeling unheard and alone.

Lesser-Known Symptoms

Beyond the “classic” hot flashes, many women experience:

  • Vaginal Dryness

  • Dry, Itchy Skin

  • Digestive Issues

  • Weight Fluctuations

  • Mood Swings

  • Headaches or Migraines

  • Hair Loss

  • Night Sweats

  • Slower Metabolism

  • Changes in Body Shape

Mental & Emotional Shifts

Perimenopause impacts more than your body—it touches your mind and heart too. Many women report:

  • Mood Swings

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Memory Issues

These changes are often overlooked but just as real and valid as the physical symptoms.

Sleep Disturbances

Hormonal shifts often wreak havoc on sleep. Common struggles include:

  • Insomnia

  • Night Sweats

  • Frequent Waking

Poor sleep makes other symptoms worse, creating a cycle that can feel exhausting.

The Role of Hormonal Imbalance

The ups and downs of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause can lead to:

  • Hot Flashes

  • Night Sweats

  • Vaginal Dryness

  • Mood Swings

Understanding these changes is the first step toward finding the right care and relief.

Navigating Your Perimenopausal Journey

Perimenopause is not “all in your head.” It’s real, and it affects every part of your life.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Track your symptoms – notice patterns and changes.

  • Find the right provider – not all doctors understand perimenopause. Seek one who listens and helps you optimize your hormones. (Find specialists in our free directory: WakeHerUp.co/Directory)

  • Educate yourself – knowledge is power.

  • Find your community – you are not alone.

✨ Join over 55,000 women in the Wake Her Up community HERE.

Resources

⚠️ Note: This is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

💛 You are not crazy. You deserve to feel Awake & Alive.

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