Expert Advice

By Erika Brooks, Licensed Therapist

For too long, the conversation around perimenopause has been wrapped in whispers. Many women hear about hot flashes and mood swings, but few are prepared for the full scope of changes that arrive during this natural life stage. Perimenopause is often portrayed as a slow decline into aging, but in truth, it is a season of powerful transformation.

What most of us were never taught is that perimenopause doesn’t just signal the end of one chapter—it ushers in the beginning of another. With knowledge, support, and a shift in perspective, this transition can be a time of clarity, empowerment, and renewed strength.

Understanding Perimenopause

Perimenopause, often referred to as “menopause transition,” typically begins in a woman’s 40s, though some experience it earlier. It can last four to ten years as the body gradually decreases estrogen and progesterone production, preparing for the end of menstruation.

During this time, hormone levels fluctuate dramatically, and those shifts trigger a wide range of symptoms. While the experience looks different for every woman, common signs include:

• Irregular or heavier periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
• Brain fog and memory lapses
• Weight gain and slower metabolism
• Aches, joint pain, or changes in energy

For many, these symptoms can feel overwhelming. Yet, when we understand what is happening inside the body, we can meet these changes with compassion and strategy rather than fear.