What should you know about most common perimenopause symptoms?

Perimenopause is the transition before periods stop completely. Hormone fluctuations can make cycles shorter, longer, heavier, lighter, or occasionally absent. Symptoms may appear in different combinations and can vary from one month to the next.

You may notice [Hot Flushes](/symptoms/hot-flushes/), [Night Sweats](/symptoms/night-sweats/), tiredness, headaches, vaginal dryness, or [Menopausal Mood Changes](/symptoms/menopausal-mood-changes/). [Low Sex Drive](/symptoms/low-sex-drive/) can be linked with sleep disruption, mood, vaginal discomfort, or changing hormones. These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so the pattern and your overall health matter.

Keep a record of bleeding, hot flushes, sleep, mood, and medicines so you can discuss patterns with a clinician. Regular meals, movement suited to your health, a cool sleeping environment, layered clothing, and reducing personal triggers may make symptoms easier to manage.

Treatment depends on symptoms, medical history, and your preferences. A clinician can discuss hormone and non-hormone options, vaginal treatments, and support for sleep or mood. Read more about [Perimenopause](/conditions/perimenopause/) and [Irregular Periods](/symptoms/irregular-periods/).

Arrange an assessment for very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or after sex, persistent pelvic pain, or symptoms that interfere with work, sleep, or relationships. A [Missed Period](/symptoms/missed-period/) can have causes other than perimenopause, including pregnancy. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, fainting, or feeling acutely unwell.

Ask whether your symptoms fit perimenopause, whether another condition should be checked, which treatments match your health history, and what to do if bleeding becomes heavier or more frequent.