Could It be perimenopause

Could It Be Perimenopause? Signs to Look For

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Could It Be Perimenopause? Signs to Look For

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Perimenopause is something most women will experience, yet it still doesn't get talked about nearly as much as other health topics. For some, the changes are barely noticeable. For others, they can affect sleep, mood, work and everyday life.

So what actually happens during perimenopause, and how can you tell if you're experiencing it?

On this page:

Perimenopause: Quick facts

  • What is it? Hormonal changes leading up to menopause.
  • When does it start? Usually in your 40s, sometimes earlier.
  • How long does it last? Often a few years.
  • Perimenopause vs menopause: Perimenopause is the lead-up; menopause is 12 months without a period, provided there's no other cause.
  • Need a test? Usually not. Age, symptoms and period history often tell a GP more.

What are the signs of perimenopause?

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and some women notice very few.

Quick Check: Could these changes be related to perimenopause?

Answer 12 short questions about your symptoms and how they're affecting everyday life. Takes around two minutes. No personal details required.

Question 1: Have you noticed changes to your usual period pattern?

For example, periods arriving earlier or later, changes in flow, or skipped periods.

Question 2: Have you experienced hot flushes or night sweats?

Such as sudden feelings of heat, sweating or waking up overheated.

Question 3: Has your sleep changed?

For example, difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night or waking earlier than usual.

Question 4: Have you felt more tired than usual?

Including tiredness that makes your normal routine harder to manage.

Question 5: Have you noticed changes in your mood?

Such as feeling more irritable, anxious, emotional or low than usual.

Question 6: Have you had difficulty concentrating or remembering things?

For example, forgetting words, losing your train of thought or struggling to focus at work.

Question 7: Have you experienced more headaches, joint aches or muscle discomfort than usual?

Question 8: Have you noticed changes in your weight or body shape?

Particularly changes that seem unusual for you.

Question 9: Have you experienced vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex?

Question 10: Have you noticed changes in your bladder habits?

Such as needing to urinate more frequently or urgently.

Question 11: Have you noticed changes in your interest in sex?

For example, a lower sex drive than usual.

Question 12: How much have these changes affected your everyday life?

Consider your sleep, work, relationships, usual activities and overall quality of life.

Symptom & Impact Score 0 / 36
Please answer the questions above to receive your summary guidance.
Important: This symptom check is a general guide, not a diagnostic test. It cannot confirm or rule out perimenopause, and similar symptoms can have other causes. The results reflect reported symptoms and their impact, not your likelihood of having perimenopause.

How can a GP help with perimenopause?

A GP will usually ask about:

  • Your periods and any changes
  • Symptoms you've noticed
  • Your age
  • Your medical history

Tip: Before your appointment, jot down these details in your phone. It can make the conversation easier, especially if you've noticed several changes.

Will you need a blood test?

Usually not. Hormone levels change throughout perimenopause, so a single test often isn't helpful for women aged 45 and over. 

As the Australian Government explains, your GP can often assess perimenopause based on your age, symptoms and period history. Blood tests may be more useful for younger women or to check for other causes.

What about treatment?

There are several options, depending on your symptoms and health:

  • Hormone therapy (MHT/HRT): Can help with symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.
  • Non-hormonal medicines: May help manage certain symptoms.
  • Other treatments: Vaginal oestrogen and moisturisers may help with vaginal dryness.

Managing Mild Symptoms at Home

Small adjustments can make some symptoms easier to manage. The trick is working out which changes help you, rather than trying everything at once.

  • Make night wake-ups easier: If night sweats wake you, keep a spare top and a glass of water beside the bed so you can settle again without turning on bright lights. If you're lying awake for a while, try getting up for a quiet activity in dim lighting rather than checking the time or scrolling on your phone.

Extra: Take a look at the Sleep Health Foundation’s Technology and Sleep fact sheet, which explains how screen use can affect sleep and what you can do to reduce its impact.

  • Add in strength training: Strength training helps maintain muscle and bone strength as you age. Try two short sessions a week using resistance bands, weights or bodyweight exercises such as squats and wall push-ups. You don't need a gym membership to get started.
  • Find your hot flush triggers: Coffee, alcohol, spicy food and warm rooms can trigger flushes for some women, but not all. Note when yours happen and what you were doing beforehand. Look for patterns before cutting out foods or drinks unnecessarily.
  • Keep a symptom record: Use your phone's Notes app or a free tracking app like Flo to record period dates, changes in flow, disrupted sleep and other symptoms. Rate symptoms from 1 (mild) to 5 (severe) and note how they affect daily life. After a few weeks, you'll have useful information to discuss with your GP.

How can you support someone going through perimenopause?

If someone close to you is going through perimenopause, a little understanding and support can help.

  • Listen: Ask what's changed rather than assuming every concern is hormonal.
  • Be flexible: Poor sleep and fatigue can affect plans, energy and patience.
  • Offer useful support: Share responsibilities or help make time for rest and appointments.

Hear more about menopause and women's health

In this BBC World Service video, the conversation goes beyond symptoms to look at women's experiences and the wider approach to menopause care.

[Embed] BBC World Service video: Menopause: Do we need to rethink women's health?

When to see a GP

Look back to your symptom check results above. How much are these changes affecting your everyday life?

If symptoms are disrupting your sleep, work, relationships or overall quality of life, book an appointment with your GP.

Heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or after sex, and any bleeding after menopause should also be checked by a GP.

You don't need to wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking support.

Turbot Street Medical Centre’s Women’s Health service supports women through perimenopause, menopause and other stages of life. The GPs can discuss symptoms, investigate possible causes and explain suitable treatment options. 

The clinic is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including public holidays.

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