5 Signs You Might Be Entering Perimenopause

Hey girlfriend, pour yourself some coffee (or wine, depending on when you're reading this) because we need to talk about something your doctor probably won't bring up until you're already knee-deep in it: perimenopause. You know, that fun "transition phase" that can start in your late 30s or 40s and last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. YEARS.

Here's the kicker—most women don't realize they're IN perimenopause until they've been white-knuckling through symptoms for months (or years) thinking something is seriously wrong with them. Spoiler alert: you're not broken. Your hormones are just doing the cha-cha, and nobody sent you the choreography.

So let's talk about the five signs that your body might be entering this delightful phase of life.

Sign #1: Your Period Has Gone Rogue

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Your previously reliable cycle suddenly becomes unpredictable. Maybe it shows up every 23 days, then 35 days, then skips a month entirely. Or it's heavier than usual. Or lighter. Or lasts two days instead of five. Basically, your period is drunk and nobody told you.

WHY IT MATTERS: Irregular periods are often THE first sign of perimenopause. Your ovaries are producing less estrogen and progesterone, and these hormonal fluctuations wreak havoc on your cycle. If you're in your 40s and your period suddenly becomes unpredictable, perimenopause is likely the culprit.

PRO TIP: Track your cycles. It helps your doctor (and you) see patterns. Plus, you won't be caught off guard quite as often.

Sign #2: You're Suddenly a Human Furnace

WHAT'S HAPPENING: You're sitting in a meeting feeling fine, and BAM—you're radiating heat like a malfunctioning space heater. Everyone else is comfortable, and you're fanning yourself with whatever's nearby. Night sweats join the party too, waking you up drenched at 2 AM.

WHY IT MATTERS: Hot flashes and night sweats can start in perimenopause, sometimes YEARS before your period actually stops. They're caused by hormone fluctuations affecting your body's temperature regulation. Fun fact: about 75% of women experience them.

PRO TIP: If this is happening, start addressing it NOW. Don't wait. The sooner you implement strategies, the better you'll cope.

Sign #3: Your Brain Is Betraying You

WHAT'S HAPPENING: You walk into a room and forget why. You lose your keys constantly. You can't remember words—like, simple words you've used your entire life. Someone's talking to you, and it's like they're speaking underwater. Brain fog becomes your new normal.

WHY IT MATTERS: Estrogen affects cognitive function, and when it starts fluctuating, so does your memory and focus. You're not losing your mind; you're experiencing hormonal changes that affect brain chemistry. This is REAL, not imagined.

PRO TIP: Write everything down. Lists are your new best friend. Also, this usually improves post-menopause, so it's not permanent.

Sign #4: Sleep Becomes a Distant Memory

WHAT'S HAPPENING: You're exhausted but can't fall asleep. Or you fall asleep fine but wake up at 3 AM wide awake. Or you sleep all night but wake up feeling like you didn't sleep at all. Rest becomes this elusive thing you vaguely remember from your 20s.

WHY IT MATTERS: Progesterone helps you sleep, and when levels drop during perimenopause, insomnia often follows. Add night sweats to the mix, and you've got a perfect recipe for sleep deprivation. Poor sleep makes EVERY other symptom worse.

PRO TIP: Prioritize sleep hygiene NOW. Cool room, consistent bedtime, no screens—the works.

Sign #5: Your Mood Is a Rollercoaster You Didn't Buy Tickets For

WHAT'S HAPPENING: You cry at commercials. You rage at minor inconveniences. Anxiety suddenly shows up uninvited. You feel irritable, sad, or overwhelmed for no clear reason. PMS symptoms might intensify. You feel like an emotional stranger in your own body.

WHY IT MATTERS: Hormone fluctuations directly affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. This isn't "all in your head"—it's biochemistry. Some women experience depression or anxiety for the first time during perimenopause.

PRO TIP: If mood changes are severe, talk to a healthcare provider AND consider therapy or coaching support.

The Real Deal

If you're experiencing several of these signs and you're in your late 30s or 40s, perimenopause is probably knocking on your door. The good news? Knowing what's happening means you can take action instead of suffering in confusion.

You don't have to navigate this alone. At Priceless Coaching, we specialize in helping women recognize and manage perimenopause symptoms with personalized strategies that actually fit your life. Visit www.pricelesscoaching.org to learn how coaching can help you through this transition.

Because knowing what's happening is half the battle—the other half is having the support to deal with it.