You feel it, don’t you? A subtle shift that’s hard to put your finger on. Maybe you’re more tired than usual or your mood feels like a rollercoaster you didn’t buy a ticket for. You might be blaming it on stress, a busy schedule or simply the inevitable process of "getting older." But what if it’s something more specific? What if your body is sending you clear signals about a significant new chapter?

Welcome to perimenopause.

For too long, this transitional phase has been shrouded in mystery & dismissed as a vague collection of symptoms. But it’s a real, biological process, the years leading up to menopause when your ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen. It can start in your late 30s or, more commonly, in your 40s & it can last for several years.

Recognizing the signs is the first step toward reclaiming your sense of well-being. It’s the difference between feeling powerless in the face of change & becoming an active participant in your own health care. So, let’s distinguish the whispers of perimenopause from the general noise of aging.Arunish Chadha

Here are five signs that you're in perimenopause, not just "getting older."

1. Your Periods Have Gone Rogue

For most of our adult lives, our menstrual cycle is a relatively predictable metronome. You know what to expect. But during perimenopause, that metronome goes haywire.

What it feels like: Your cycle, which was once a reliable 28 days, might suddenly shorten to 24 days or stretch out to 35. You might experience a frustratingly heavy flow that leaves you feeling drained or a perplexingly light one that’s barely there. You might even skip a period altogether for a month or two, only for it to return with a vengeance.

Why it's perimenopause, not just aging: This isn't just your body "slowing down." It’s a direct result of fluctuating hormones. Estrogen & progesterone, the key regulators of your cycle, are on a wild ride. They rise & fall unpredictably, which directly impacts ovulation & the buildup of your uterine lining. A shorter cycle often means you’re ovulating earlier, while a skipped period might mean you didn’t ovulate at all that month. While a changing cycle can be related to other health issues (like thyroid problems), when combined with other symptoms, it’s a hallmark sign of perimenopause.

2. New-Onset Sleep Troubles

You’ve always been a good sleeper, but suddenly you’re staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. Or you wake up drenched in sweat, your heart pounding & have to change your pajamas before you can even think about going back to sleep.

What it feels like: Insomnia, restless sleep or waking up frequently throughout the night. The most classic culprit is the night sweat, a sudden, intense feeling of heat that can leave your sheets soaked.

Why it's perimenopause, not just aging: While sleep patterns can change as we get older, the dramatic, disruptive sleep issues of perimenopause are driven by your internal thermostat. The hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates body temperature, is highly sensitive to estrogen. As estrogen levels decline, it can misfire, triggering a hot flash or night sweat that jolts you awake. This isn't just "aging insomnia"; it's a hormonal event that directly sabotages your rest.

3. Unpredictable Mood Swings & A Surge in Anxiety

One minute you feel fine, the next you’re irritable over something small or weepy during a commercial. You might also notice a new, humming sense of anxiety that wasn't there before, a feeling of dread or unease that seems to have no obvious trigger.

What it feels like: A shorter fuse, sudden sadness or a feeling of being constantly on edge. You might feel like you can’t cope with stress the way you used to.

Why it's perimenopause, not just aging: Yes, life gets more stressful in our 40s. But this is different. Estrogen plays a crucial role in the brain, influencing the production & regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin (the "feel-good" chemical) & GABA (which has a calming effect). As estrogen levels dip & dive, so do these brain chemicals, leaving you more vulnerable to mood swings, irritability & anxiety. You're not just "grumpy"; your brain chemistry is literally in flux.

4. Brain Fog & Memory Lapses

You walk into a room & completely forget why. You struggle to find a common word that’s on the tip of your tongue. You might find yourself needing to write everything down, fearing you’ll forget important appointments or tasks.

What it feels like: A general sense of mental fuzziness. It’s harder to concentrate, your reaction time feels slower & your short-term memory isn't as sharp as it once was.

Why it's perimenopause, not just aging: Many women fear this is the early onset of dementia, but it’s far more likely to be perimenopause. Estrogen is a powerhouse for brain health. It supports blood flow to the brain, helps protect neurons & is involved in memory formation. When estrogen levels decline, cognitive function can take a temporary hit. This "brain fog" is a real & widely reported symptom of the hormonal shift. It’s not that you’re losing your mind; your brain is simply adapting to a new hormonal environment.

5. Weight Gain Around the Midsection

You’re eating the same healthy diet & exercising as consistently as ever, but suddenly your pants are tighter. The weight seems to be settling squarely around your belly, in a way it never did before.

What it feels like: A "spare tire" or "muffin top" that appears out of nowhere, despite your best efforts. It feels stubborn & resistant to your usual weight-loss tactics.

Why it's perimenopause, not just aging: This is one of the most frustrating signs for many women. A decline in estrogen signals your body to store fat differently. It begins to favor visceral fat, which is the fat that accumulates around the abdominal organs. This type of weight gain is also linked to fluctuating cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which can be elevated by the sleep deprivation & anxiety that often accompany perimenopause. This isn't just a matter of metabolism slowing with age; it's a specific, hormonally-driven change in fat distribution.

You Are Not Alone & You Have Options

If you’re nodding along to these signs, take a deep breath. You are not imagining things & you are not alone. Perimenopause is a natural transition, but it doesn't have to be a miserable one. The first step is awareness. The next is action.

Start by tracking your symptoms to identify patterns. Then, have an open conversation with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about menopause & can offer guidance, from lifestyle adjustments to medical support.

Alongside these foundational steps, many women seek additional support to help their bodies navigate this hormonal shift more smoothly. For those looking to incorporate natural, herbal solutions into their wellness routine, a targeted supplement can be a valuable ally.

For a gentle, supportive approach to balancing your body during this time of change, consider exploring Ayamveda Herbal Hormone Balance - For Her. This specialized formula is designed with traditional herbs to help support hormonal equilibrium, providing relief from common symptoms & promoting a greater sense of well-being.

Author - Dr. J. Preet, BAMS, 25+ Years Clinical Experience.