5 Signs of Perimenopause Every Working Woman Should Know
Let’s have a heart-to-heart about a phase in our lives that’s as inevitable as Monday meetings but doesn’t have to be as daunting: perimenopause. Yes, it’s that 2-10 years when your body starts to transition into menopause, and it brings along some changes that can feel a bit like trying to juggle coffee, a laptop, and a phone all at once—on a unicycle.
But here’s the good news: by spotting these signs early, you can manage them like the boss you are, keeping your energy, focus, and confidence high. So, let’s dive into the five signs of perimenopause that you, the high-achieving woman juggling a million tasks, should know:
Mood Swings That Rival Stock Market Fluctuations
One minute you’re nailing a presentation, and the next, you’re feeling unexpectedly teary or irritated by the smallest things (like running out of coffee beans…again). These mood swings aren’t just random; they’re one of your body’s ways of saying, “Hey, things are changing here!”
Memory Mishaps
If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there, or suddenly can’t recall the name of your colleague you’ve known for years, you’re not losing it—you might just be experiencing perimenopause. These little memory lapses, often dubbed ‘brain fog,’ can be frustrating, especially when you’re used to being on top of everything.
Energy Ebb and Flow
Finding yourself flagging by mid-afternoon, even though you’ve done everything ‘right’—slept well, eaten healthily, moved your body? These unpredictable energy dips are your body’s way of telling you that your hormone levels are on a bit of a rollercoaster ride.
Sleep Struggles
Speaking of sleep, finding it harder to drift off or waking up at 3 a.m. worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list? Changes in your hormone levels can mess with your sleep, making quality rest elusive but oh-so-critical for your busy life.
Hot Flashes at the Least Convenient Times
Ever feel like you’re suddenly in the tropics, temperature-wise, right in the middle of a big meeting or during a quiet moment in the office? These sudden waves of heat, known as hot flushes or flashes, can be a tad embarrassing and definitely uncomfortable, but they’re a common signpost on the road through perimenopause.
Recognising these signs isn’t just about knowing what’s coming; it’s about taking control, seeking support, and making changes that keep you feeling like the powerhouse you are. Remember, perimenopause is a phase, not a full stop. With the right strategies, you can navigate it with grace, grit, and a good sense of humour.
About Kylie Pinwill
Kylie is an accredited nutritionist and host of The Hormone Hub podcast – for women in perimenopause and menopause.
Kylie supports busy, driven women who are feeling lethargic and foggy, struggling with weight gain, bloating and hot flushes, to balance their hormones, reset their metabolisms and better manage stress so they can feel happier, more energised, and get on with living life.
For Kylie, this stage of life can be challenging but it doesn’t need to be.
She believes that we just need to do it differently.
