Is This Perimenopause? Early Signs Most Women Miss

Perimenopause is the phase where your hormones begin to fluctuate, not disappear.

Estrogen and progesterone don’t steadily decline all at once — they rise and fall unpredictably.
This fluctuation is what creates many of the confusing symptoms women experience.

Perimenopause can begin years before menopause, sometimes as early as the late 30s, and often lasts much longer than expected, (anywhere from 2-10 years).

Because their cycles may still be regular — at least at first — many women don’t realize what’s happening.

1. You Feel “More Sensitive” Than You Used To

This is one of the earliest and most overlooked signs.

You might notice:

• Stress feels harder to manage

• You get overwhelmed more easily

• Small things feel bigger than they used to

This isn’t a lack of resilience — it’s often related to shifting progesterone, which plays a calming role in the nervous system.

2. Sleep Changes (Even When You’re Tired)

You may fall asleep easily but wake up between 2–4 a.m.
Or you sleep, but wake feeling unrefreshed.

Hormonal fluctuations — especially progesterone changes and cortisol sensitivity — can disrupt sleep before hot flashes or night sweats ever appear.

3. Your Energy Is Less Predictable

Instead of consistent fatigue, energy starts to feel inconsistent.

Some days you feel fine.
Other days, even simple tasks feel heavier.

This often reflects changing blood sugar regulation and increased sensitivity to stress — both common in early perimenopause.

4. Your Body Responds Differently to Food or Exercise

What once worked… doesn’t.

You might notice:

• You feel shakier or irritable if meals are delayed

• Intense workouts leave you exhausted instead of energized

• Weight shifts despite no major lifestyle changes

This doesn’t mean you need to try harder — it often means your body needs different support.

5. Subtle Cycle Changes

Cycles may still come regularly, but with differences:

• Shorter cycles

• Heavier or lighter flow

• More PMS symptoms

• Mood changes before your period

These shifts are often brushed off — but they’re important clues.

6. You Don’t Feel Like Yourself — But You Can’t Explain Why

Many women say this is the hardest part.

You’re functioning.
Life looks fine from the outside.
But internally, something feels off.

This sense of disconnection or unfamiliarity is common in early perimenopause — and it deserves to be taken seriously.

When perimenopause is misunderstood or missed, women often respond by:

• Restricting food

• Exercising harder

• Pushing through exhaustion

• Blaming themselves

Unfortunately, these approaches can increase stress on the body and worsen symptoms over time.

Early perimenopause is a powerful window for foundational support such as:

• Blood sugar balance

• Nervous system care

• Gentle rhythm and recovery

• Nourishment over restriction

• Movement for longevity

Small shifts here can make the transition smoother — not harder.

One of the biggest misconceptions is treating perimenopause like menopause.

They are different seasons.

Perimenopause is defined by fluctuation.
Menopause and post-menopause are defined by steadiness.

Supporting the wrong phase can leave women feeling confused and frustrated — even when they’re doing “all the right things.”

You don’t need a diagnosis to begin listening to your body — but clarity helps.

I created a short, gentle quiz to help women understand whether they’re in:

• Early hormonal transition

• Perimenopause

• Post-menopause

It’s designed to offer insight, not labels — and to guide you toward support that fits your season.

👉 Take the free “Which Hormonal Season Are You In?” quiz

OR if you're feeling confused by changes in your body now, and are looking for answers, my Perimenopause Guide is your first step to understanding perimenopause — what’s happening in your body, why it matters, and how to move forward with confidence and care.

👉 Available now