It often starts in your 40s, sometimes sooner, and it rarely looks like what people expect.
A few months of notes turns “I just feel off” into something a provider can work with. Save this list for your next appointment.
Perimenopause often begins in the 40s, and for some women it starts earlier. If your cycle and symptoms are changing, it’s worth asking about regardless of age.
The signs are wide-ranging, overlap with other causes, and arrive gradually, so they’re often blamed on stress or a busy life. Tracking your symptoms for a few months gives your provider something concrete to work with.
Hormone levels swing during perimenopause, so a single test often can’t settle the question. Providers usually look at your symptoms and history together, and lab work helps rule out other causes of the same symptoms.
Educational content only, not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.