Is It Perimenopause? Signs Your Hormones May Be Changing

by Felicia Heah (WholeLife Pharmacist) | June 20, 2026 | Pharmacist Advice

Is It Perimenopause? Signs Your Hormones May Be Changing

Author: Felicia Heah (WholeLife Pharmacist)

Many women expect menopause to arrive suddenly, marked by the final menstrual period. In reality, the body usually begins transitioning years earlier through a phase known as perimenopause.

This stage can last several years and may bring a range of physical and emotional changes that sometimes seem unrelated at first. Irregular periods, disrupted sleep, brain fog, or sudden heat waves during the night may all be signs that hormones are beginning to shift.

Understanding what perimenopause is and what support options exist can make this transition far less confusing.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause simply means “around menopause.” It describes the years leading up to the final menstrual period when hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate.

In Australia, perimenopause usually starts around the age of 47 and lasts on average between four to six years. Although, some women may notice changes earlier or later.

During this time, hormone levels do not steadily decline. Instead, they can rise and fall unpredictably from month to month. These fluctuations are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause.

You have reached menopause if you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 months.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

One of the earliest signs is often changes in menstrual cycles. Periods may become irregular, heavier or lighter than usual, or occur closer together or further apart (or absent for a few months at a time).

Other commonly reported symptoms include:

Hot flushes or night sweats
Sleep disturbance
Mood changes (feeling unhappy or anxious)
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Muscle and joint aches or stiffness (e.g. ‘frozen shoulder’)
Vaginal dryness and decreased libido
Weight gain

Lists will often describe 30 or more possible symptoms of perimenopause. While not every woman experiences all of them, the range reflects just how widely hormones influence the body.

How Is Perimenopause Diagnosed?

Many women wonder whether there is a test that can confirm perimenopause.

In most cases, perimenopause is diagnosed based on symptoms and age rather than a single blood test. Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during this transition, meaning tests can vary from day to day. Your doctor may do a blood test to check your general health or to rule out other conditions.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Clearing Up Common Myths

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT, previously known as HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. However, misconceptions about hormone therapy remain common.

According to the Australasian Menopause Society, several myths persist.

One is that hormone therapy is “unsafe for most women”. In reality, for healthy women in their 50s or within ten years of menopause, the benefits often outweigh the risks when prescribed appropriately.

Another misconception is that “natural” treatments are automatically safer than prescribed therapies. In practice, all treatments, whether prescription or complementary, should be considered carefully and discussed with a healthcare professional.

Natural Therapies and Lifestyle Support

Many women also explore lifestyle and complementary strategies during perimenopause and menopause.

Regular resistance training can support muscle and bone health as hormone levels change. Balanced nutrition, stress management and prioritising sleep are also important foundations for wellbeing during this stage.

Some women also explore nutrition or supplements for additional support, including ingredients such as:

Vitamin E, black cohosh and red clover have been studied for symptoms like hot flushes. Research findings remain mixed and individual responses vary.

Creatine has attracted growing interest for supporting muscle strength when combined with resistance training. One of our favourites is Luvin’ Life 100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate.

As with any supplement, complementary therapies may not be suitable for everyone. Because supplements can interact with medications or underlying health conditions, it’s always advisable to speak with your pharmacist, GP or a qualified naturopath before starting a new therapy.

While magnesium is not specifically established as a therapy for menopausal symptoms, maintaining adequate magnesium intake remains important for overall health.

Some women choose to incorporate functional foods or beverages that include magnesium as part of their evening routine. After all, a warm drink before bed can feel a little like self-care in a mug. Products such as Shebang Woman’s Peri Hot Choccy Sleep ‘n’ Soothe blend cocoa, magnesium glycinate and hops into a cosy hot-chocolate style drink designed to help you relax as the day winds down.

When to Seek Advice

Seek advice from your GP or one of our knowledgeable instore health professionals if:

You are younger than 45 and your periods are irregular or have ceased
Symptoms are interfering with daily life and activities like exercise and work
Your symptoms are affecting your mental health or your relationships.

Our WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods pharmacist, along with in-store naturopaths and nutritionists, can help guide conversations around lifestyle strategies, complementary therapies and when referral to a GP may be appropriate.

A Transition Worth Understanding

Perimenopause can feel unpredictable, especially when symptoms appear without warning. But with growing awareness and better support, this life stage is becoming far better understood. With the right information and guidance, many women discover it’s simply a new chapter in their health journey, one that can be navigated with confidence.