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As professional women, we pride ourselves on staying organized, efficient, and ahead of the game.
But when perimenopause enters the picture, it can feel like the ground shifts beneath our feet.
It often sneaks up on us with subtle changes—one day we’re thriving but the next we might feel hopeless, overwhelmed, or as if we’ve lost our edge.
Understanding and identifying the signs early can help us take charge of our health and maintain the clarity and confidence we need to thrive, both personally and professionally.
What Is Perimenopause?
The medical definition of the Menopause is when you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
It literally means when your periods stop.
‘Meno’ means your menstrual cycle and ‘Pause’ refers to your cycle stopping.
The Menopause occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs and this causes your hormones, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to fall.
Perimenopause is the time before menopause when you’re still having periods but your reducing and fluctuating hormone levels are triggering all kinds of symptoms.
The average age for the Menopause is 51 but the Perimenopause typically begins in your late thirties or early 40s (and even earlier due to genetics, surgery, or treatment).
The changes during perimenopause aren’t just physical. They can influence our mental health, energy levels, and ability to perform at work. Spotting the signs early allows us to make informed choices about our health and well-being.
Early Signs of Perimenopause
Here are some key indicators to watch out for:
- Irregular Periods – Periods may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter. Skipped cycles are also common.
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats – Sudden waves of heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushing.
- Sleep Disturbances – Trouble falling or staying asleep, often linked to night sweats.
- Mood Swings and Irritability – Sudden changes in mood, increased anxiety or even depression.
- Brain Fog – Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue.
- Fatigue – A constant feeling of tiredness, even after a good night’s sleep.
- Changes in Libido – Shifts in sexual desire or discomfort during intimacy.
- Urinary, Bladder, or Vaginal Changes – Increased frequency or urgency to urinate, discomfort or dryness.
- Weight Gain and Bloating – Hormonal changes can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen, and persistent bloating.
- Hair and Skin Changes – Thinning hair, dryness, or changes in skin texture are common.
- Strange or Unusual Symptoms – Some women report tingling sensations, tinnitus, changes in body odor, a metallic taste in the mouth, or increased sensitivity to smells. While these may seem unrelated, they can often be linked to hormonal changes during perimenopause.
The Impact of Perimenopause on the Workplace
Perimenopause can profoundly affect a woman’s career.
In a survey of over 2,000 women employed in the UK aged 40-60 by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in 2023, 73% had experienced menopause symptoms and 53% had taken time off work due to their menopause symptoms.
Around one in six women (17%) have considered leaving work due to a lack of support in relation to their menopause symptoms, and 6% had actually left their job.
More than 10% of women felt discriminated against because of their menopausal symptoms.
These statistics highlight the importance of awareness and early intervention.
What You Can Do to Stay Ahead
Track Your Symptoms – Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns and triggers, making it easier to seek help.
Seek Professional Guidance – Always consult your doctor and consider working with a menopause specialist to support you in exploring treatment options, from lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Prioritise Nutrition and Exercise – A balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, combined with regular exercise, can help to alleviate symptoms.
Manage Stress – Mindfulness, yoga, and other stress-management techniques can reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
Final Thoughts
Perimenopause doesn’t have to disrupt your life or career. By staying informed and seeking the right support, you can navigate this phase with resilience and strength.
Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available. Spot the signs, take action, and empower yourself so that you can thrive through the perimenopause and beyond.
Jane Mackay is a certified Menopause Wellness Expert based in the UK who works with women to optimize their menopause health and well-being. She is a member of both The British Menopause Society and The International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine. Her expertise has previously been shared in The Sun and Hone Health.