06/01/2026
Most women don’t realise perimenopause can start in their mid-30s, and the symptoms are often mistaken for everyday stress. Here are six signs your hormones are shifting, even before any blood tests.
1. Constant fatigue
That stubborn exhaustion that does not go away even with rest is often one of the earliest signs. As your hormone levels begin to dip, your body has to work harder to maintain balance, which affects your energy and stamina throughout the day.
2. Brain fog
Walking into a room and forgetting why, losing your train of thought, or struggling to find words you used to recall easily can all be linked to falling oestrogen levels.
3. Hot flushes and night sweats
Sudden waves of heat, flushing, or waking up drenched at night happen because the hypothalamus becomes more sensitive as oestrogen declines. Even slight hormonal shifts confuse your internal temperature regulation.
4. Period changes
Your cycles may become longer or shorter, bleeding may become heavier or lighter, or you may occasionally skip periods. These irregular patterns happen because your ovaries are producing hormones less consistently, and this is often one of the first noticeable signs of perimenopause.
5. Insomnia or disrupted sleep
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be tied to dropping progesterone levels. Progesterone supports relaxation and deeper sleep cycles, so when it declines, many women experience restless nights despite feeling exhausted.
6. Mood changes
Irritability, sadness, anxiety, or emotions that feel out of proportion to the situation can occur because fluctuating hormones directly affect the brain chemicals responsible for mood regulation. It can feel like your emotions are shifting without a clear reason.
Recognising these symptoms early is empowering and helps you understand what your body is signalling. Speaking to a GP who specialises in women’s health can help you access safe, evidence-based treatment options that suit your medical history and personal needs.
If these symptoms sound familiar and you would like to find tailored treatments for your individual circumstance, book a consultation through the link in the bio.