03/05/2026
Perimenopause is the phase before menopause, when hormone levels begin to shift and fluctuate rather than follow a steady pattern.
For many women, this starts in their late 30s or 40s and can last several years.
Because hormones are involved in so many ways, changes during this time can manifest in unexpected or confusing ways at first.
You might notice:
∙ changes in your cycle
∙ sleep that feels lighter or more interrupted (2 am wake-ups, anyone?!)
∙ increased anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
∙ changes in metabolism and/or weight gain
∙ bladder leaks or urgency
∙ pelvic pressure or discomfort
∙ pain with intimacy
∙ joint pain
These experiences are common during perimenopause, even though they aren’t always talked about openly.
Hormonal shifts can affect tissue health, muscle strength, and how the body recovers and heals. That’s why pelvic symptoms often become more noticeable during this stage of life.
Perimenopause isn’t about pushing through or ignoring what you feel. It’s about understanding what’s changing and giving your body the support it needs to move through this transition with more ease.