There’s Over 100 Symptoms of Perimenopause: Don't Let Your Symptoms Be Dismissed

When most people think of perimenopause, they think of hot flushes.

But what if I told you there are over 100 different symptoms that can be associated with the hormonal changes of perimenopause?

The reality is that every woman's experience is different. Some women barely notice the transition, while others feel like they've become a completely different person. Neither experience is "right" or "wrong"—it's simply a reflection of how your body responds to changing hormone levels.

One of the most frustrating things I hear from women is:

"I've been told it's just stress."

"I'm too young."

"My blood tests are normal."

"It's just part of getting older."

Unfortunately, many women spend years feeling unheard because their symptoms don't fit the stereotypical picture of menopause.

Perimenopause Doesn't Look the Same for Everyone

Perimenopause often begins in your 40s, but it can start in your late 30s for some women. Hormones don't simply decline in a straight line—they fluctuate, sometimes dramatically, from month to month and even day to day.

These hormonal fluctuations can affect nearly every system in the body, including the brain, nervous system, metabolism, thyroid, digestive system and immune system.

That's why one woman may experience severe anxiety, while another struggles with migraines, joint pain or weight gain.

Symptoms Can Be Surprisingly Diverse

Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Anxiety

• Mood swings

• Poor sleep

• Weight gain

• Irregular periods

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats

• Low libido

But many women are surprised to learn that symptoms can also include:

• Heart palpitations

• Dizziness

• Itchy skin

• Dry eyes

• Joint and muscle aches

• Headaches

• Increased allergies or histamine sensitivity

• Bloating and digestive changes

• Hair thinning

• Burning mouth

• Tinnitus

• Increased urinary frequency

• Reduced stress tolerance

And that's only a small snapshot.

No two women experience the same combination of symptoms.

Your Symptoms Are Real

One of the biggest mistakes women make is assuming each symptom is unrelated.

They might see one practitioner for anxiety, another for digestive issues, another for joint pain, and another for fatigue—without anyone stepping back and recognising the bigger hormonal picture.

As a naturopath, one of the things I love most is looking at the body as a whole. Rather than chasing individual symptoms, I look for the patterns that connect them together.

Sometimes those patterns point towards thyroid dysfunction.

Sometimes it's nutrient depletion, chronic stress or blood sugar instability.

And very often during your 40s, perimenopause is an important piece of the puzzle.

You Don't Have to "Just Put Up With It"

While perimenopause is a normal stage of life, struggling through it isn't something you simply have to accept.

There are many ways to support your body through this transition. Optimising nutrition, improving sleep, balancing blood sugar, managing stress, supporting thyroid function where needed, correcting nutrient deficiencies and considering appropriate medical options can all make a significant difference.

Most importantly, don't ignore what your body is trying to tell you.

Every woman's perimenopause journey is unique—but every woman deserves to feel heard, supported and empowered to understand what's happening in her body.

Natasha Gedrim (BHSc Naturopathy)

Thyroid and Hormone Naturopath