perimenopause: "am i going crazy, or are my hormones to blame?"

As women, we’ve all come to expect certain changes in our bodies. From the monthly rhythm of our menstrual cycles to the miraculous journey of pregnancy and childbirth, we've learned to navigate these phases with resilience and grace. But as we enter a new chapter, perimenopause, many of us are caught off guard by the changes it brings. You’re not alone if you’ve found yourself wondering, “Am I going crazy, or are my hormones to blame?”

Perimenopause, or the transitional phase leading up to menopause, is often overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, menopause. Yet, this critical phase deserves our attention, understanding, and, most importantly, our compassion.

The normal cycle: A familiar pattern

Before we delve right into perimenopause, let’s pause for a moment to reflect on the “normal” menstrual cycle—the premenopausal years when your body made oestrogen and progesterone in a perfectly predictable pattern. During this time, you could generally anticipate your symptoms, cycle, and mood. Your body felt like a well-oiled machine, ticking along with a rhythm you could count on. And with the average woman having about 450 menstrual cycles in her lifetime, she knows what “normal’’ for her body is.

Understanding Perimenopause

Perimenopause, meaning “around menopause,” marks the period when your body starts to prepare for the end of its reproductive years. This transition typically begins in your late 30s or early 40s and can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years. Unlike the predictable cycles you’ve known, this phase brings with it a hormonal rollercoaster as your oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuates unpredictably.

For some, perimenopause is a gentle shift, but for others, it’s a chaotic whirlwind of physical and emotional symptoms that can range from mildly inconvenient to downright disruptive. Symptoms can include irregular periods, irritability, brain fog, hot flashes, night sweats, and much more. It’s not uncommon to find yourself wondering if something more serious is at play. But rest assured, what you are experiencing is a normal part of the aging process, a transition, not a sign that you’re losing control.

Diagnosing perimenopause

Unfortunately, there is not one specific test that can definitively diagnose perimenopause. However, the signs and symptoms you are experiencing can offer strong clues. Some of the most common symptoms to watch out for include:

Irregular periods
Irritability and mood changes
Brain fog and memory lapses
Hot flashes and night sweats
Breast tenderness
Worsening PMS
Decreased libido
Vaginal dryness
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue and joint pain
Thinning hair and brittle nails
Anxiety and depression
Itching or ringing in the ears

Perimenopause can feel like a wild ride, but arming yourself with knowledge can make the journey smoother. Understanding what’s happening to your body is the first step toward managing your symptoms and feeling like yourself again.

Navigating the rollercoaster: What can you do?

There are several ways to support your body through this transition, from lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise to medical interventions that can help balance your hormones. What’s important is that you listen to your body and seek the support you need. This might include talking to your healthcare provider, connecting with other women going through the same experience, or simply being kinder to yourself as you navigate this phase.

You are not alone

Above all, remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Perimenopause may be a chapter in your life that feels overwhelming and isolating, but countless women around the world are experiencing the same highs and lows. By sharing our stories, offering support, and simply being there for one another, we can help each other navigate this transition with grace, dignity, and a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the female body.

Written by Dr. Ledivia Strauss

perimenopause: "am i going crazy, or are my hormones to blame?"

Related articles