The Introduction To Perimenopause In Women: How Do I Know If I’m in Perimenopause?

Sarah Secor-Jones
May 22
2 min read

By Dr. Sarah | Lesh Lifestyle

Let’s just say it: perimenopause is a master of disguise. One minute you’re powering through a workout, and the next you’re crying over a coffee commercial, sweating through your sheets, or wondering if your thyroid—or sanity—is broken. Sound familiar?

Welcome to perimenopause, the often-missed chapter of hormonal chaos that can start years before menopause officially arrives.

Wait... What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause for women is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when your ovaries gradually start to produce less estrogen, progesterone, and eventually testosterone. It can begin as early as your mid-30s to early 40s, and last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.

The problem? Most doctors won’t diagnose it until you’ve missed your period for 12 months. But by then, you’ve probably already spent years confused, misdiagnosed, or told “everything looks normal.” At Lesh Lifestyle, we call BS on that.

So How Do You Know If You’re in Perimenopause?

Here’s the truth: labs aren’t always helpful in the early stages. Hormone levels can fluctuate wildly day to day. Instead, we focus on symptoms, patterns, and how you feel.

Common Signs You’re in Perimenopause:

Periods are changing—heavier, lighter, shorter, longer, or erratic
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or low mood
Weight gain (especially around the belly)
Low libido
Hot flashes or night sweats
Brain fog and memory issues
Vaginal dryness or pain with intimacy
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Worsening PMS or new cycle symptoms

If 3 or more of these apply—you’re likely in the thick of it.

Why Most Women Get Dismissed

Conventional medicine waits for your labs to look bad or for your periods to vanish. That

leaves millions of women feeling ignored and untreated while symptoms wreak havoc on daily life.

At Lesh Lifestyle, we know better. Hormones affect your brain, mood, skin, metabolism, relationships, sleep—everything. You deserve better answers and smarter care.

What You Can Do Now

We specialize in hormone optimization, weight management, and helping women thrive in every phase of life.

We evaluate symptoms, not just numbers
We support you with bioidentical hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies
We offer care that actually listens—not 7-minute visits and a shrug

Start Here:

Take our Perimenopause Symptom Quiz (coming soon!)
Book a hormone consultation with Dr. Sarah
Watch our YouTube series for real education on hormones, fat loss, and how to take your body back:Watch here → Dr. Sarah on YouTube
Explore our Integrative Memberships to get ongoing support you can actually count on