Is This Perimenopause? Signs Women Are Often Told to Ignore

Pelican Design Studio Simpson
6 days ago
2 min read

If you’ve been wondering whether what you’re experiencing could be perimenopause — you’re not alone. And you’re not imagining it.

For many women, perimenopause doesn’t arrive with a clear announcement. Instead, it shows up quietly, subtly, and often confusingly. Changes may begin years before menopause itself, and they’re frequently dismissed — by others and sometimes by ourselves.

Common signs that often get overlooked

Perimenopause can look different for every woman, but some commonly ignored signs include:

Changes in sleep, even when you’re tired
Increased anxiety or emotional sensitivity
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Weight changes, especially around the midsection
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Changes in mood or confidence
Feeling “not quite like yourself,” without a clear reason

Many women seek answers, only to be told that everything looks “normal.” Hormone levels may fluctuate daily, making them difficult to capture with standard testing — especially in early perimenopause.

Trusting your experience

One of the most challenging parts of this transition is feeling unheard or uncertain. When symptoms don’t fit neatly into a checklist, it’s easy to doubt yourself.

But subtle does not mean insignificant.

Your body is changing, and those changes deserve attention, understanding, and support.

You don’t need to have all the answers

Perimenopause is complex — and navigating it doesn’t have to be something you do alone. Gaining clarity about what’s happening in your body can be the first step toward feeling more grounded and supported.

If something feels different, that matters.