Recognising the signs of early perimenopause

My first experience with perimenopause occurred in my mid-thirties, though I had no idea at the time. I was completely unaware of menopause and everything that comes before and after it. It felt like I woke up one day with debilitating anxiety and paranoia. Looking back, I now see I had missed earlier signs of perimenopause, such as bloating, tender breasts, and heavy periods—clear indicators of declining progesterone leading to an estrogen-dominant state.

It wasn’t just declining progesterone that I was grappling with during this time. There was external stress due to work commitments, being pregnant with my second daughter, and dealing with my dad’s terminal cancer diagnosis, which gave him just three months to live. On top of all that, I had traveled overseas for work and unwittingly picked up not one, but two parasites—neither of which were identified or treated by doctors.

This, combined with inflammation in my body due to poor diet choices, excessive alcohol, and sugary treats—along with a lack of nutrient-dense foods—meant that my body was not in a good place to cope with the early stages of perimenopause. The combination of stress and unhealthy habits made it even more challenging to manage the symptoms I was experiencing.

If I had known then what I know now, I could have avoided years of debilitating symptoms and the stress that came from not understanding what was happening to me. Gaining this knowledge earlier would have made a significant difference in my journey.

It’s crucial for all women to understand their bodies and how hormones naturally change over time. As surprising as it may seem, perimenopause can begin as early as your thirties, with progesterone levels declining first. Understanding this can help you recognise early signs and take proactive steps for your health. By making the right lifestyle choices early on, you can significantly improve your experience and minimize symptoms. Knowledge is power, and taking proactive steps can lead to a smoother transition.