Perimenopause: 7 symptoms that affect 87% of women aged 50 to 65… does this apply to you?

Perimenopause is a natural phase of life, but one that is often misunderstood. However, the signs that you may be going through perimenopause are very real and can affect your body, your mood, and your daily life. Recognizing these signs can help you cope better, seek help at the right time, and regain a sense of calm.

Table of Contents 

1. What is perimenopause?
1.1 A transitional phase before menopause
1.2 At what age can perimenopause begin?

2. Signs that you may be entering perimenopause
2.1 Persistent fatigue despite “good” sleep
2.2 Irregular periods and unpredictable cycles
2.3 Decreased libido and vaginal discomfort
2.4 Mood swings, anxiety, and memory problems
2.5 Hot flashes and night sweats
2.6 Sleep disturbances and waking up at night
2.7 Muscle and joint pain and headaches

3. Why are these symptoms often misdiagnosed?

4. When should you see a healthcare professional?

5. How can you naturally relieve the symptoms of perimenopause?
5.1 Adjusting your lifestyle: sleep, diet, physical activity
5.2 Managing stress and emotions
5.3 Non-hormonal solutions: Focus on hot flashes

6. Hera: The Athana Device for Relieving Hot Flashes
6.1 How does Héra work?
6.2 The benefits of a non-hormonal solution

7. Breaking the taboos surrounding menopause

8. FAQ: Signs That You May Be Going Through Perimenopause
8.1 What exactly is perimenopause?
8.2 How long does perimenopause last?
8.3 Is it normal to have very irregular periods?
8.4 How can I tell if my symptoms are really caused by perimenopause?
8.5 Can hot flashes be relieved without hormones?
8.6 When should I talk to my doctor about perimenopause?

9. Conclusion: Approaching Menopause with Confidence

 

1. What is perimenopause?

1.1. A transitional phase before menopause

Perimenopause is the hormonal transition period that precedes menopause. The ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone. These changes are not linear: hormone levels rise, fall, stabilize, and then fluctuate again.

This hormonal imbalance causes a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including fatigue, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Although this phase is a natural part of life, it can still be confusing at times.

1.2. At what age can perimenopause begin?

Perimenopause usually begins around age 45–50, but some women may notice changes as early as their 40s. Its duration varies widely: it can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on each woman’s body, history, and personal experience.

2. Signs that you may be entering perimenopause

2.1. Persistent fatigue despite a "good" night's sleep

Do you feel exhausted from morning to night, even after a full night’s sleep? Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause. It is often caused by:

• Fragmented or poor-quality sleep
• Hot flashes or night sweats that wake you up several times a night
• More intense emotional stress

The result: energy levels drop, it becomes harder to concentrate, and even the simplest tasks seem to require a great deal of effort. This fatigue isn’t “all in your head ”—it has a real hormonal basis.

2.2. Irregular periods and unpredictable cycles

Before menstruation stops completely, the menstrual cyclebecomes irregular:

• Periods that come more frequently or less frequently
• Heavier flow or, on the contrary, very light flow
• Cycles that "skip" one or more months

This irregularity is often one of the first visible signs of perimenopause. It can come as a surprise and cause concern, especially if your periods have been very regular up until now. If you experience very heavy or prolonged bleeding, or unusual pain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

2.3. Decreased libido and genital discomfort

A decrease in estrogen can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. Some women also note:

• Vaginal dryness
• Sex that is sometimes painful
• Daily discomfort in the intimate area

This topic is still considered taboo, but it’s essential. Sexual difficulties can take a toll on self-confidence and a couple’s relationship. Talking about these changes with your partner and, if necessary, with a healthcare professional can really help.

2.4. Mood Disorders, Anxiety, and Memory Problems

Hormonal fluctuations also affect the brain and emotions. During perimenopause, it is common to experience:

• Sudden irritability
• A vague sense of anxiety, sometimes for no apparent reason
• Bouts of the blues, or even a depressive mood
• Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating

Many women don’t immediately associate these symptoms with perimenopause. Yet these are very common signs. Again, it’s not a matter of lack of willpower: it’s your body that’s changing.

2.5. Hot flashes and night sweats

These are the most common symptoms of this stage. It is estimated that 75 to 80% of women in perimenopause experience them. (Ministry of Health)

Hot flashes are characterized by:

• A sudden sensation of intense heat in the face, neck, and upper body
• A reddening of the skin
• Excessive sweating
• Sometimes palpitations or a feeling of tightness

At night, these hot flashes can turn into night sweats that force you to uncover yourself, change your clothes, or even get out of bed. Sleep is then severely disrupted, which increases fatigue and irritability.

2.6. Sleep Disorders and Nighttime Awakening

Between hot flashes, racing thoughts, and anxiety, the quality of sleep is put to the test. It becomes more difficult to:

• To fall asleep
• To sleep through the night
• To feel rested when you wake up

A vicious cycle can set in: the less you sleep, the more tired, stressed, and irritable you become… which only makes your sleep problems worse.

2.7. Muscle and joint pain, and headaches

According to certain data (such as that cited by the Ministry of Health), 71% of women in perimenopause report:

• Joint pain
• Muscle tension
• Frequent headaches

These discomforts may be related to hormonal changes, but also to poorer sleep quality or increased stress.

3. Why are these symptoms often misdiagnosed?

Many women are unaware that they are in perimenopause.

The symptoms are sometimes attributed to:

• Work-related or family-related stress
• On mental load
• "Normal aging"
• A lack of exercise or a poor diet

Yet 87% of women aged 50 to 65 in France experience at least one symptom of menopause or perimenopause. Lack of awareness and social taboos often delay recognition of the issue—and thus the search for solutions.

4. When should you see a healthcare professional?

It is recommended that you consult a doctor if:

• Periods become very heavy or very painful
• The symptoms (fatigue, anxiety, pain, hot flashes) make it difficult to lead a normal daily life
• Are you feeling anxious, lost, or emotionally distressed?

A doctor or gynecologist can:

• Check to make sure there is no other medical cause
• Explain what's happening in your body
• Provide appropriate support (medical, psychological, lifestyle, etc.)

5. How can you naturally relieve the symptoms of perimenopause?

5.1. Adjusting Your Lifestyle: Sleep, Diet, and Physical Activity

A few adjustments can make a real difference:

• Go to bed at regular times, limit screen time in the evening, and keep the bedroom cool
• Focus on fruits, vegetables, fiber, and high-quality protein; limit alcohol and stimulants
• Get regular exercise ( walking, yoga, swimming, etc.) to support your mood, sleep, and joints

5.2. Managing Stress and Emotions

Stress often exacerbates hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Simple practices can help:

• Breathing exercises
• Meditation or guided relaxation
• Journaling (writing down your feelings)
• Support from a psychologist or participation in support groups

5.3. Non-hormonal treatments: a focus on hot flashes

Not all women want to, or are able to, take hormone therapy. Non-hormonal solutions can therefore be a good alternative, particularly for managing hot flashes and night sweats.

6. Héra: the Athana device for relieving hot flashes

At Athana, we have developed Héra, an innovative, non-hormonal device designed to naturally relieve hot flashes.

Click the link to learn more about Hera. : here

6.1 How does Héra work?

Héra is a device designed to:

• Provide a cooling sensation of 3°C during hot flashes
• Helps reduce the discomfort and severity of these episodes (30% reduction in flare-ups after use).
• It fits easily into your daily routine, whether at work or at home. It’s portable and has a battery life of 72 hours, and it charges just like a phone.

It doesn't affect your hormones: it acts on the instant comfort, to help you get through this phase with greater peace of mind.

6.2. The Benefits of a Non-Hormonal Solution

• Respect for the body: no hormonal supplements
• Easy to use: perfect for home, the office, or on the go
• Complementarity: can be part of a comprehensive approach that includes a healthy lifestyle, medical care, and emotional support

Our mission at Athana: breaking down the taboos surrounding menopause and offer solutions that are safe, effective, and gentle on women’s bodies.

7. Breaking the taboos surrounding menopause

Perimenopause and menopause are still too often overlooked. Yet they affect all women. Talking openly about them means:

• Normalizing symptoms
• Encouraging open communication in relationships, within families, and at work
• Enable every woman to ask for help without feeling guilty

At Athana, we believe that gaining a better understanding of the signs that you may be entering perimenopause is a key step toward taking back control of your health and well-being.

8. FAQ: Signs That You May Be Entering Perimenopause

8.1. What exactly is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause. Female hormones, particularly estrogen, begin to fluctuate, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, irregular periods, or mood swings.

8.2. How long does perimenopause last?

The duration varies greatly: for some women, it lasts 1 to 2 years; for others, it can last 5 to 10 years. Menopause is considered to have begun when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 months.

8.3. Is it normal to have very irregular periods?

Yes, irregular periods are common during perimenopause: periods may be shorter or longer, and flow may be heavier or lighter. However, if your bleeding is very heavy, prolonged, or painful, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out other causes.

8.4. How can I tell if my symptoms are really caused by perimenopause?

Only a healthcare professional can make a diagnosis. However, the combination of several symptoms (irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, etc.) in a woman around the age of 40–50 is highly suggestive of perimenopause.

8.5. Is it possible to relieve hot flashes without hormones?

Yes. Non-hormonal solutions are available, such as physical relief devices like Athana’s Héra, relaxation techniques, and dietary and lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help you choose the approach that’s best for you.

8.6. When should you talk to your doctor about perimenopause?

As soon as your symptoms start to worry you, cause you pain, or disrupt your daily life. It’s never “too soon.” The sooner you talk about it, the better your chances of finding the right solutions and getting through this period with greater ease.

9. Approaching menopause with peace of mind

Perimenopause is not a disease, but a natural stage of life. However, the symptoms can be difficult to cope with on a daily basis.

Recognizingthe signs that you may be entering perimenopause, speaking up about it, and seeking support are powerful steps you can take to promote your well-being.

At Athana, together with Héra, we want every woman to be able to get through this time with greater comfort, understanding, and care. You are not alone, and there are solutions to help you feel better, day after day.

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