11/03/2026
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, and it often begins earlier than many women expect.
For some, hormonal fluctuations can start in the late 30s or early 40s, even while menstrual cycles remain regular. During this time, oestrogen and progesterone levels may rise and fall unpredictably rather than decline smoothly.
These fluctuations can influence a range of systems, including energy regulation, sleep, mood, digestion and stress resilience.
Because periods may still occur monthly, symptoms are sometimes attributed to lifestyle or stress alone. However, hormonal changes can be part of the wider picture.
Perimenopause is not an illness or a sudden shift. It is a gradual, physiological transition.
Understanding this can help reduce confusion and support a more informed approach to wellbeing during midlife.
theboughtonclinic.com