What should you know about the main symptoms of perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a transition in which ovarian hormone patterns become less predictable before periods stop. Bleeding may become irregular, heavier, lighter, or separated by missed periods. Temperature changes can cause Hot Flushes or Night Sweats, sometimes disturbing sleep.

Some people notice Menopausal Mood Changes such as irritability, anxiety, low mood, or reduced concentration. Vaginal dryness, discomfort with sex, and Low Sex Drive can also occur. Symptoms vary, and a new symptom should not automatically be attributed to perimenopause.

Keep a diary of bleeding, temperature symptoms, sleep, mood, headaches, and vaginal or sexual changes. Record medicines, contraception, pregnancy possibility, and how symptoms affect work or daily life. This gives a clinician a clearer pattern than trying to recall isolated days.

Support may include practical changes for sleep and temperature control, treatment for individual symptoms, or a discussion about hormone and non-hormone options. The right choice depends on your health, symptoms, and preferences.

Arrange care for bleeding that is very heavy, prolonged, happens after sex, or returns after periods have stopped. Seek help for severe low mood, thoughts of self-harm, chest pain, or sudden neurological symptoms. A missed period with pregnancy possibility should be checked rather than assumed to be perimenopause.

Ask whether your symptom pattern fits perimenopause, whether another cause needs checking, and which treatments suit your medical history. Ask how to manage bleeding, sleep, mood, vaginal discomfort, and contraception during the transition.