Navigating Perimenopause: Are These Symptoms or Am I Losing My Mind?

Written By Joanna Vlies

With growing awareness of menopause and perimenopause, the flood of information through social media, podcasts, and books can feel overwhelming. It's fantastic that we’re finally talking openly about a major health change affecting half the population without shame or embarrassment. Yet, many women I see in my clinic express feeling lost and unsure where to start. Let’s unpick this journey together.

What is Perimenopause?

First things first: perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels and unpredictable symptoms. Menopause itself is only confirmed retrospectively, after 12 months without a period (or 24 months for women under 50). So, yes, pinpointing where perimenopause begins is tricky!

Common Symptoms to Watch For

The list of menopause symptoms can be long and varied, but here are some frequent ones:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats

  • Mood swings and brain fog

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Vaginal dryness or discomfort

  • Changes in periods (irregularity, heaviness, or lightness)

  • Joint pains

  • Hair thinning and dry skin

  • Loss of libido

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Weight gain

And these aren’t all! It’s no wonder that  for many years ‘the change’ has been regarded with fear and dread by some.

Perimenopause: The Rollercoaster Ride

For many women, symptoms creep in slowly, and just when you think they’ve disappeared, they come back with a vengeance. Sound familiar? Imagine feeling fine one week, and the next, you're having a minor breakdown about that teaspoon your partner left on the kitchen counter (totally justified, by the way!).

This inconsistency often leads women to wonder, “Am I going mad?” The answer is a firm no. Hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc, causing everything from sudden anxiety to debilitating joint pain, even if your cycle seems regular.

Life Stress or Perimenopause?

Perimenopause can strike when your life is at its busiest—managing careers, children, aging parents, and more. All these life stresses can mimic or amplify hormonal symptoms, making it tough to figure out what’s going on.

Why Isn’t There a Simple Blood Test?

Unfortunately, diagnosing perimenopause isn’t straightforward. Hormone levels fluctuate daily, so a one-off blood test often comes back normal, even if you’re experiencing severe symptoms. This can feel invalidating, leaving many women questioning their sanity.

What’s the Solution?

Sometimes, the only way to see if symptoms are hormonal is to try treatment. In my clinic, we often discuss a trial of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tailored to your needs. An individualized, short-term HRT trial may help you feel more like yourself and offers a low-risk option for resetting your hormonal balance.

If HRT doesn’t work, we can explore other ways to support your health and well-being. Remember: you’re not imagining this, and you’re definitely not alone.

Practical Tips to Manage Symptoms

Here are a few steps to take control of your symptoms:

  • Track Your Symptoms: Use a journal or an app to log how you’re feeling and any changes in your cycle.

  • Prioritize Self-Care: Sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can make a big difference.

  • Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to book a consultation if your symptoms are impacting your daily life.

Let’s Talk

Feeling overwhelmed? Wondering if it’s hormones or life stress? Let's discuss your concerns and create a plan to get you feeling well again. Book a consultation today!

Joanna Vlies