In these groups, we (I say “we” intentionally—because I'm a woman in perimenopause too), we supported each other by sharing our experiences, addressing symptoms together, and being open and honest about what we were going through. There's incredible power in knowing you're not alone. Perimenopause is a natural life stage that affects millions of women, yet it’s often misunderstood, overlooked, or dismissed. If you’re going through it—or wondering if you might be—you’re not alone. Understanding what it is, when it starts, and how it affects your body and mind can make a huge difference to your wellbeing and quality of life.

What is perimenopause, exactly

Perimenopause means “the time around menopause.” It’s the transitional phase when your body begins to move toward menopause, but your periods haven’t completely stopped yet.

Menopause itself is defined as 12 months without a period. Perimenopause can begin many years before that—and it’s often when symptoms feel most intense.

When does perimenopause typically start?

Perimenopause typically begins in your late 30s or 40s, but there’s a wide range. Some women experience symptoms earlier, while others notice changes later. Every woman’s journey is different.

This stage can last several years—sometimes up to 10. And here’s something important to know: you can still have periods and become pregnant during perimenopause, even if your cycles become irregular.

Can perimenopause be medically induced?

Perimenopause or menopause can be medically or surgically induced, meaning it happens earlier or more suddenly than it would naturally. If this is your experience, what you’re feeling is valid and real.

This can occur through:

• Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy)

• Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• Hormone-suppressing medications are often used for conditions like endometriosis or hormone-sensitive cancers.

When menopause is induced, symptoms often appear more suddenly and feel more intense, because your hormone levels drop quickly rather than gradually. This can feel overwhelming, and it’s okay to need extra support during this time.

Which hormones are involved?

Perimenopause is driven by changes and fluctuations in key hormones. Think of it as your hormones going on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The main players are:

• Oestrogen – becomes unpredictable, rising and falling unevenly (hello, mood swings!)

• Progesterone – often declines earlier, especially if ovulation becomes irregular.

• Testosterone – may gradually decrease, affecting your energy and libido.

• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) – increases as your body tries to stimulate the ovaries

It’s not just low hormones that cause symptoms—it’s the instability. These ups and downs can be really challenging for both your physical and emotional health, and that’s completely understandable.

What symptoms might you experience?

Symptoms vary widely from woman to woman, but you might experience:

• Irregular or heavier periods

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Sleep problems

• Fatigue

• Brain fog and memory issues

• Anxiety, low mood, or irritability

• Reduced confidence or sense of self

• Changes in libido

• Joint pain or headaches

Many women experience emotional and psychological symptoms before physical ones, which can make perimenopause harder to recognize. If you’ve been feeling “not quite yourself” but can’t put your finger on why, this might be the reason.

Why your mental health matters during perimenopause

Here’s something really important to understand: hormonal changes directly affect your brain, especially the areas involved in mood, stress regulation, and emotional balance. This isn’t “all in your head”—it’s biology, it’s real, and it’s measurable. As a result, perimenopause can:

• Worsen existing anxiety or depression.

• Trigger mood swings or panic symptoms

• Increase feelings of overwhelm, shame, or loss of control

• Affect your sense of identity, confidence, and self-esteem

Too often, these experiences are dismissed as “just stress” or “part of getting older,” leaving women feeling unseen, unheard, and unsupported. You deserve better than that.

Mental health support during perimenopause isn’t optional—it’s essential. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing during this time is just as important as managing physical symptoms.

Why support makes all the difference

Support can come in many forms, and I want you to know: you deserve all of it. This might include:

• Clear, accurate information

• Understanding healthcare professionals

• Counselling or therapy

• Peer support groups

• Supportive workplaces and families

Being believed, validated, and informed reduces isolation and helps you make sense of what’s happening to your body and mind. Let me say this clearly: you’re not imagining it, you’re not overreacting, and you’re not being dramatic. What you’re experiencing is real.

When you feel supported, you’re more likely to:

• Seek the medical care you deserve

• Make informed choices about your treatment

• Develop self-compassion rather than self-blame

• Maintain healthier relationships and work life.

Navigate this transition with more ease and self-compassion

You deserve support and understanding.

Let me be clear: perimenopause is not a weakness, a failure, or something to just “push through” alone. It’s a significant biological and psychological transition that deserves attention, care, and respect—and so do you.

Your body is going through profound changes. Your experiences are valid. Your feelings matter.

With the right information and support, you can navigate perimenopause with greater confidence, dignity, and wellbeing. Understanding what’s happening is the first step toward changing how you respond to yourself—with kindness, patience, and the compassion you would offer a dear friend.

You’re not alone in this journey. And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.