Perimenopause marks the start of your transition to menopause. Typically, perimenopause begins when you reach your 40s, but this can vary significantly from one person to the next. Likewise, on average perimenopause lasts about 4 years, but some people may only be perimenopausal for a few months whilst others can be in this stage for up to 10 years. 

With all of these variations, it can be difficult to know when exactly you’re going through perimenopause. That's why we've compiled a list of 7 signs to look out for that could suggest you've entered perimenopause, and included top tips of how you can begin to manage some of these symptoms. 

1. Irregular periods

Typically, in your cycling years, your estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall in a predictable pattern each month. During perimenopause, this pattern is disrupted, making irregular periods one of the primary indicators of perimenopause.

As estrogen levels drop, you’ll experience lighter and shorter periods, and when estrogen levels spike, your periods will become heavier and longer. You can also expect skipped periods during perimenopause as a result. But, if you’ve gone more than 12 months without having a period, you are no longer going through perimenopause. 

2. Hot flushes

Have you been having sudden feelings of warmth in your upper body? Usually most intense over your face, neck and chest, you could be experiencing hot flushes - one of the most common signs of your transition to menopause. 

The good news is FLUX’ s body hot water bottle can also be used as a cold compress, and is great for draping over your shoulders and around your neck to provide some cooling relief when you need it most.

3. Difficulty sleeping

Having trouble falling asleep, waking up often and feeling afflicted by your hot flush's equally inconvenient cousin, night sweats? These are all key signs of perimenopause and a result of your fluctuating hormones. 

Keeping up with regular exercise can help alleviate sleeplessness, and we have an extensive list of products to help calm you down and fall asleep if you're struggling to turn your mind off each night. 

4. Mood changes

Mood swings and worsened PMS symptoms are a common sign of perimenopause.

DR.VEGAN's Menofriend Menopause Support Capsules were developed specifically to help aid mood swings, stress & anxiety, poor sleep and hormone imbalances and could be a great option to help you manage your symptoms as you go through perimenopause. However, in some cases, mood swings during perimenopause can lead to depression, anxiety, and crying episodes. If you're feeling depressed, anxious and overwhelmed we would advise approaching a medical professional to help you manage your symptoms. 

5. Increased bladder sensitivity

Another consequence of your declining estrogen levels is increased bladder sensitivity and increased urgency to urinate. Estrogen is responsible for causing the urethral and vaginal tissues to thin and as women age, pelvic floor muscles can start to relax. This can lead to leaks and light incontinence. 

If you're looking for bladder support solutions, FLUX Undies are a great, comfortable and barely-there option to wear for everyday support. Alternatively, glo's range of bladder care is made with a unique 3D leak barrier for increased security and each pad features a charcoal core to aid odor absorption. 

6. Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness

Keep losing your train of thought or forgetting where you put your keys? Perimenopause could be to blame. Research has shown that hormone imbalances during perimenopause impair learning and verbal memory.

7. Loss of sex drive and vaginal problems 

During perimenopause, you may notice a dip in your libido. Alongside this, reduced estrogen levels can cause your vaginal tissues to lose lubrication, resulting in vaginal dryness and pain during sex. You may also be more susceptible to vaginal infections. 

You can protect the health of your vaginal microbiome using Daye’s Proviotics, giving it the strength to fight off harmful bacteria on its own. If you're looking for ways to boost your libido, we’d recommend Phasey’s Sex Chocolate, which is made with organic shatavari, an Ayurvedic herb with a storied past of repro revival.  

Everybody is different. 

Perimenopause is a natural process that you can expect your body to go through in time but everybody experiences this transition differently. As you enter this phase of your life, it can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. If you're unsure of how to move forward, or if you're concerned about the length and heaviness of your periods, we'd suggest checking in with a doctor who can provide medical guidance and help you map your journey through this period of your life.