If you’ve started noticing changes—like irregular periods, sudden hot flashes, restless nights, or shifts in mood and energy—you might be wondering: Is this perimenopause, or have I already reached menopause?

You’re definitely not alone. Many women go through this transition feeling a bit lost because the changes are gradual and unpredictable. The good news? Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step to feeling in control again.

Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the Difference?

Think of perimenopause as the winding road that leads to menopause. Your hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone—start to fluctuate. This is what causes the ups and downs in your body and mind.

• Perimenopause usually starts in your 40s, but some women notice it as early as their early-mid 30s.
  
• It can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years.
  
• Ovulation becomes less predictable, periods may change, and symptoms often come in waves.

Menopause, on the other hand, is a milestone. It’s defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. At this point, hormone levels settle at consistently lower levels.

• Hot flashes may ease, but new issues like vaginal dryness, bone health, heart health, and breast, bone, brain, and bone health become more important.
  
• Menopause isn’t an “end”—it’s a new phase where paying attention to your health can make a big difference.
  
  For more on the stages of perimenopause, check out my earlier blog post: The Stages of Perimenopause: What to Expect (and When to Expect It).

What to Watch Out For (Signs and Symptoms)

Think of perimenopause as your body learning a new rhythm. Some days it hums along smoothly, and other days it feels out of tune. These shifting hormone levels can bring on a variety of symptoms—some subtle, some impossible to ignore. Here’s a closer look at what you might notice.

Menstrual Changes

• Irregular cycles (shorter or longer than before)
• Skipped periods followed by heavier-than-usual bleeding
• Spotting between cycles
• Stronger or more unpredictable PMS symptoms

Vasomotor Symptoms

• Hot flashes—sudden waves of heat often with flushing and sweating
• Night sweats that interrupt sleep
• Redness or flushing of the face and chest

Mood and Cognitive Changes

• Irritability or mood swings
• Anxiety or a sense of being “on edge”
• Difficulty focusing or “brain fog”
• Forgetfulness or memory lapses

Sleep Disturbances

• Trouble falling asleep at night
• Waking up often (sometimes from night sweats)
• Early morning awakening without being able to fall back asleep
• Daytime fatigue and low energy

Vaginal and Sexual Health Changes

• Vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort
• Pain during intercourse
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections
• Shifts in libido (can decrease, but for some women it fluctuates)

Physical Changes

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Bloating
• Headaches or migraines that feel different than before
• Joint stiffness or muscle aches
• Hair thinning or changes in skin elasticity
  

Longer-Term Health Consideration

• Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes)
• Breast disease / cancer
• Bone disease / osteoporosis
• Slower metabolism and changes in fat distribution
  
  According to the North American Menopause Society (2023), up to 80% of women experience hot flashes and night sweats in perimenopause, while 40–60% report sleep problems. These changes are normal—they’re not a sign of weakness or something “wrong” with you.

How Menopause Symptoms Differ

Once you reach menopause, hormone levels stabilize at low levels. Here’s what changes:

• Hot flashes and sleep problems may continue but often with less intensity
  
  
• Vaginal and urinary changes may become more noticeable
  
  
• Long-term health priorities—like bone, heart, and breast health—become front and center
  
  

Lifestyle strategies—like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep—are more important than ever. Some women may also benefit from hormone therapy or other treatments to reduce symptoms and long-term risks.

Final Thoughts

Perimenopause isn’t a single moment—it’s a journey. Your symptoms are signals, not warnings. Understanding them is the first step to taking control of your health.

By noticing early signs, building supportive habits, and seeking guidance when needed, you can move through this transition with confidence and energy.

Next week, we’ll explore lab tests—which ones really provide insights and which might not tell the full story.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about where you might be in this transition, try my FREE Hormone Quiz for personalized insights and practical next steps.

Additionally, you can schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation with me at https://ConsultLori.com, where we can discuss the most effective next steps to support your healing and achieve balance.

Here’s to moving through this season with clarity, strength, and self-compassion.