5 Sneaky Symptoms of Perimenopause to Watch Out For

Let’s be real. Somebody dropped the ball.

All those years we sat in classrooms, flipping through health textbooks and watching outdated videos about “becoming a woman”... they barely scratched the surface. Sure, they told us a little about pads and pregnancy. But when it came to what actually happens as our bodies mature? What to expect as we hit our late 30s and 40s? Silence.

Nobody mentioned that one day our sleep might disappear, or that we’d feel off emotionally without explanation. No one said anything about hormones acting wild or periods going rogue.

So here I am, nobody’s doctor… just sharing what I’ve learned and what I’m living through right now. I hope it helps you feel more prepared, more powerful, and way less alone. Because perimenopause isn’t talked about enough, but it’s happening. And if you’ve been feeling a little different lately, this might be the nudge you need to dig a little deeper for yourself.

1. your Gut Starts acting up

If you’ve been feeling bloated, uncomfortable, or like your digestion is off for no clear reason, your gut might be trying to get your attention. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can throw your gut bacteria out of balance. And since your gut and brain are deeply connected, this can affect your mood, energy, and mental clarity too.

When your gut is supported, everything else tends to feel more manageable.

Start here: Drink more water, eat more whole foods, and notice how different meals make you feel. Small shifts can lead to big changes.

2. Your Timing Might Be Off (and That’s Okay)

Have you ever felt super clear and confident one week, then completely unsure the next? It’s not just in your head. Certain phases of your cycle can influence how grounded and focused you feel.

Right after your period, when estrogen is rising, you may notice that you feel sharper and more emotionally steady. This is often a better time for making decisions or having important conversations.

Try this: Pay attention to your cycle and how your energy shifts. Give yourself permission to pause when things feel unclear. Sometimes the best answer is to wait.

3. Your Period Might Flip the Script

If your cycle has become unpredictable, it could be a sign that perimenopause has entered the chat. Your period might come early, show up late, stay longer than usual, or skip a month entirely.

This is one of the most common early signs. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it just means your hormones are adjusting.

Helpful tip: Keep a simple log of your cycle and symptoms. Not only does it help you feel more in control, but it also gives your doctor a clearer picture if you need support.

4. Your Sleep Might Start Tripping

Falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up drenched in sweat out of nowhere? You’re not alone. Hormonal shifts can affect your body’s natural temperature regulation and your ability to wind down at night.

If you’ve been struggling with rest, it’s not just a busy mind. Your body is asking for support.

Try this: Establish a wind-down routine. Use cooling sheets, try magnesium supplements, and give yourself a break from screens before bed. Protecting your sleep is a form of self-respect.

5. Your Emotions Might Feel All Over the Place

If you’ve been feeling extra emotional, reactive, or sensitive, this could be your body processing the hormonal waves of perimenopause. You might feel fine one day, then overwhelmed or anxious the next—and that can be confusing if you don’t know what’s causing it.

There is nothing wrong with you. You are adjusting.

What helps: Talk to someone. Journal it out. Don’t ignore how you feel. Your emotions are valid, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.

One Last Thing...

SMH. As if we don’t already have several plates spinning, now our bodies want to tussle too.

But here’s the thing we get to choose how we move through it. We can either see this as another opportunity to learn, grow, and share what we know... or we can become those mean old ladies we used to side-eye back in the day when we had no clue what real womanhood actually involved.

Me? I’m choosing the first one. Sign me up for learning, sharing, and adjusting while listening to my body now more than ever.

Here’s to more open conversations. More self-advocacy. More of us showing up and supporting each other.