Perimenopause Starts Earlier Than Most People Expect

Many people think menopause is a sudden event in your fifties. In reality, perimenopause — the transitional phase — can start in your late thirties or early forties. Symptoms include irregular cycles, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, and shifts in body composition. These changes are often misattributed to stress or aging in general. Knowing this exists helps you stop blaming yourself and start having the right conversations with your doctor. If you're a partner, understanding perimenopause is one of the most supportive things you can do.