Early Perimenopause

Early Perimenopause

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Your periods may still seem regular, but your body is shifting beneath the surface.

You might notice heavier flows, new mood swings, or you might be waking up sweating at 2AM. Even if your labs are "normal," your symptoms are not in your head.

This is often the phase where women are dismissed - but what you’re feeling comes from changing hormones, especially progesterone.

Your periods may still seem regular, but your body is shifting beneath the surface.

You might notice heavier flows, new mood swings, or you might be waking up sweating at 2AM. Even if your labs are "normal," your symptoms are not in your head.

This is often the phase where women are dismissed - but what you’re feeling comes from changing hormones, especially progesterone.

Early Perimenopause

begins when:

Your period comes seven or more days earlier or later than usual, more than once
You’re over 40 (though it can begin earlier)
Symptoms appear even with monthly cycles

Your period comes seven or more days earlier or later than usual, more than once
You’re over 40 (though it can begin earlier)
Symptoms appear even with monthly cycles

What you might notice

PMS that feels more intense
Heavier or longer periods
Interrupted sleep, especially before your period
Breast tenderness, headaches, or bloating
Unexplained anxiety, mood swings, or emotional reactivity

Many women feel emotionally off during this phase - that doesn't mean you're unstable.

PMS that feels more intense
Heavier or longer periods
Interrupted sleep, especially before your period
Breast tenderness, headaches, or bloating
Unexplained anxiety, mood swings, or emotional reactivity

Many women feel emotionally off during this phase - that doesn't mean you're unstable.

What real science shows

The median age for the onset of Early Peri is 47 years, but it can start much earlier for some women. Source
A seven-day shift in cycle length is the clinical marker for early perimenopause. Source
In one study, 55.4% of women aged 30-35 and 64.3% of women aged 36-40 reported moderate to severe peri symptoms. Source

The median age for the onset of Early Peri is 47 years, but it can start much earlier for some women. Source
A seven-day shift in cycle length is the clinical marker for early perimenopause. Source
In one study, 55.4% of women aged 30-35 and 64.3% of women aged 36-40 reported moderate to severe peri symptoms. Source

Meet Emma

Emma is 43. Her periods still come monthly, but she’s waking up sweaty at 2AM and feeling emotionally reactive at unexpected times. Her OB/GYN told her “it’s normal” - but she wants to do something about it.

Early Perimenopause

FAQs

Why am I crying over nothing? → Hormones may be shifting your emotional set point.
My labs are fine, so why do I feel awful? → Because early perimenopause often happens before labs change.
What do I say at my next appointment? → Try: “I'm noticing sleep and mood changes tied to my cycle. Could this be early perimenopause?”

Why am I crying over nothing? → Hormones may be shifting your emotional set point.
My labs are fine, so why do I feel awful? → Because early perimenopause often happens before labs change.
What do I say at my next appointment? → Try: “I'm noticing sleep and mood changes tied to my cycle. Could this be early perimenopause?”

Why am I crying over nothing? → Hormones may be shifting your emotional set point.
My labs are fine, so why do I feel awful? → Because early perimenopause often happens before labs change.
What do I say at my next appointment? → Try: “I'm noticing sleep and mood changes tied to my cycle. Could this be early perimenopause?”

What can help right now

Track your cycles and mood patterns
Label mood shifts and link to your cycle timing
Try sleep supports like magnesium (for calm), CBT-I (for racing thoughts), and earlier bedtime rituals
Use clear language with providers: “My cycles are regular, but I am noticing real changes.”
Print a symptom summary to bring to your visit

Track your cycles and mood patterns
Label mood shifts and link to your cycle timing
Try sleep supports like magnesium (for calm), CBT-I (for racing thoughts), and earlier bedtime rituals
Use clear language with providers: “My cycles are regular, but I am noticing real changes.”
Print a symptom summary to bring to your visit

Track your cycles and mood patterns
Label mood shifts and link to your cycle timing
Try sleep supports like magnesium (for calm), CBT-I (for racing thoughts), and earlier bedtime rituals
Use clear language with providers: “My cycles are regular, but I am noticing real changes.”
Print a symptom summary to bring to your visit