Perimenopause: 7 signs affecting 87% of women aged 50 to 65

Perimenopause is a natural phase of life, but it is often misunderstood. However, the signs that you might be in perimenopause are very real and can impact your body, mood, and daily life. Recognizing them allows you to better manage them, seek help at the right time, and regain a sense of serenity.

Contents

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

2. Signs that you might be in perimenopause
2.1 Persistent fatigue despite "good" sleep
2.2 Irregular periods and unpredictable cycles
2.3 Decreased libido and intimate discomfort
2.4 Mood swings, anxiety, and memory problems
2.5 Hot flashes and night sweats
2.6 Sleep disorders and night awakenings
2.7 Muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches

3. Why are these symptoms often misidentified?

4. When to consult a healthcare professional?

5. How to naturally relieve perimenopause symptoms?
5.1 Adapting your lifestyle: sleep, diet, physical activity
5.2 Managing stress and emotions
5.3 Non-hormonal solutions: focusing on hot flashes

6. Héra: the Athana device to relieve hot flashes
6.1 How does Héra work?
6.2 The benefits of a non-hormonal solution

7. Breaking the taboos around menopause

8. FAQ: Signs that you might be in 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 do I know if my symptoms are really from perimenopause?
8.5 Can hot flashes be relieved without hormones?
8.6 When to talk about perimenopause with your doctor?

9. Conclusion: Moving serenely toward menopause

1. What is perimenopause?

1.1. A transition phase before menopause

Perimenopause is the period of hormonal transition that precedes menopause. The ovaries begin to produce fewer estrogens and progesterone. These variations are not linear: hormones rise, fall, stabilize, and then fluctuate again.

This hormonal instability is at the root of many physical and emotional symptoms: fatigue, hot flashes, mood swings, disturbed sleep, etc. Even if this phase is natural, it can still be confusing at times.

1.2. At what age can perimenopause begin?

Perimenopause most often begins around 45–50 years old, but some women may notice changes as early as their forties. Its duration varies greatly: it can last from a few months to several years, depending on each body, each history, and each experience.

2. Signs that you might be in perimenopause

2.1. Persistent fatigue despite "good" sleep

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

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

Result: energy levels drop, concentration becomes more difficult, and the simplest task seems to require significant effort. This fatigue is not "in your head": it has a real hormonal basis.

2.2. Irregular periods and unpredictable cycles

Before the final cessation of periods, the menstrual cycle becomes unstable:

• Periods closer together or further apart
• Heavier flow or, conversely, very light
• Cycles that "skip" one or more months

This disturbance is often one of the first visible signs of perimenopause. It can be surprising and worrying, especially when periods were very regular until then. In case of very heavy, prolonged bleeding or unusual pain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

2.3. Decreased libido and intimate discomfort

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

• Vaginal dryness
• Sometimes painful sexual intercourse
• Daily intimate discomfort

This subject remains taboo, but it is essential. Uncomfortable sexuality can affect self-confidence and life as a couple. Talking about these changes with your partner and, if necessary, with a healthcare professional can really help.

2.4. Mood swings, anxiety, and memory problems

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

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

Many women do not spontaneously link these symptoms to perimenopause. Yet, these are very frequent signs. Again, this is not a lack of willpower: it is your body that is changing.

2.5. Hot flashes and night sweats

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

Hot flashes manifest as:

• A sudden sensation of intense heat in the face, neck, and upper body
• Skin reddening
• Profuse sweating
• Sometimes palpitations or a feeling of oppression

At night, these flashes can turn into night sweats that force you to uncover, change, or even get up. Sleep is then deeply disturbed, which accentuates fatigue and irritability.

2.6. Sleep disorders and night awakenings

Between hot flashes, mental rumination, and anxiety, the quality of sleep is severely tested. It becomes more difficult:

• To fall asleep
• To stay asleep throughout the night
• To feel rested upon waking

A vicious cycle can set in: the less you sleep, the more tired, stressed, and sensitive you are... which worsens sleep disorders.

2.7. Muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches

According to some data (for example, cited by the Ministry of Health), 71% of women in perimenopause report:

• Joint pain
• Muscle tension
• Frequent headaches

These discomforts can be linked to hormonal fluctuations, but also to lower sleep quality or increased stress.

3. Why are these symptoms often misidentified?

Many women are unaware they are in perimenopause.

Symptoms are sometimes attributed to:

• Professional or family stress
• Mental load
• "Normal aging"
• A lack of exercise or a poor diet

Yet, 87% of women aged 50 to 65 in France are affected by at least one symptom of menopause or perimenopause. Lack of awareness and taboos often delay recognition... and therefore, solutions.

4. When should you consult a healthcare professional?

It is recommended to consult if:

• Periods become very heavy or very painful
• Symptoms (fatigue, anxiety, pain, hot flashes) prevent you from leading a normal daily life
• You feel worried, lost, or emotionally distressed

A doctor or gynecologist can:

• Verify that there is no other medical cause
• Explain what is happening in your body
• Propose adapted support (medical, psychological, lifestyle changes, etc.)

5. How to naturally relieve perimenopause symptoms?

5.1. Adapt your lifestyle: sleep, diet, physical activity

A few adjustments can make a real difference:

• Go to bed at regular times, limit screens in the evening, keep your bedroom cool
• Prioritize fruits, vegetables, fiber, and quality protein; limit alcohol and stimulants
• Exercise regularly (walking, yoga, swimming, etc.) to support mood, sleep, and joints

5.2. Manage stress and emotions

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

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

5.3. Non-hormonal solutions: focusing on hot flashes

Not all women wish to—or can—take hormonal treatment. Non-hormonal solutions can be an interesting alternative, especially for managing hot flashes and night sweats.

6. Héra: the Athana device to relieve hot flashes

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

Discover Héra by clicking the link: here

6.1 How does Héra work?

Héra is a device designed to:

• Provide a 3°C cooling sensation during hot flashes
• Help reduce discomfort and the intensity of these episodes (-30% per hot flash after use).
• Integrate easily into daily life, whether at work or at home; it is portable, has 72 hours of battery life, and is rechargeable like a phone.

It does not alter your hormones: it acts on immediate comfort to help you navigate this phase more serenely.

6.2. The benefits of a non-hormonal solution

• Respect for the body: no hormonal intake
• Simplicity of use: can be used at home, in the office, or while traveling
• Complementarity: can be part of a holistic approach including healthy lifestyle, medical guidance, and emotional support

Our mission at Athana: break the taboos surrounding menopause and offer safe, effective solutions that respect women's bodies.

7. Breaking the taboos around menopause

Perimenopause and menopause remain invisible too often. Yet, they affect all women. Talking about them openly means:

• Normalizing symptoms
• Freeing up conversation with partners, family, and at work
• Allowing every woman to seek help without guilt

At Athana, we believe that better understanding the signs that you may be in perimenopause is a key step toward regaining control over your health and well-being.

8. FAQ: Signs that you may be in perimenopause

8.1. What exactly is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period that precedes menopause. Female hormones, particularly estrogen, begin to fluctuate, which leads to symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, irregular periods, or mood swings.

8.2. How long does perimenopause last?

The duration varies widely: for some women, it lasts 1 to 2 years; for others, it can extend to 5 to 10 years. Menopause is officially declared once periods have been absent for at least 12 months.

8.3. Is it normal to have very irregular periods?

Yes, an unstable cycle is common during perimenopause: cycles may become shorter or longer, and periods may be heavier or lighter. However, if bleeding is very heavy, prolonged, or painful, it is better to consult a doctor to rule out other causes.

8.4. How do I know if my symptoms are really from perimenopause?

Only a healthcare professional can provide a diagnosis. However, the combination of several symptoms (irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disorders, mood changes, etc.) in a woman around 40–50 years old is highly suggestive of perimenopause.

8.5. Can hot flashes be relieved without hormones?

Yes. Non-hormonal solutions exist, such as physical relief devices like Athana's Héra, relaxation techniques, and adjustments to diet and lifestyle. Your doctor can help you choose the most appropriate approach.

8.6. When should I talk to my doctor about perimenopause?

As soon as your symptoms worry you, cause you pain, or disrupt your daily life. There is no such thing as "too early." The sooner you talk about it, the better your chances of finding adapted solutions and going through this period in better conditions.

9. Moving serenely toward menopause

Perimenopause is not a disease, but a natural stage of life. Yet, symptoms can be burdensome on a daily basis.

Recognizing the signs that you may be in perimenopause, daring to talk about it, and getting support are powerful actions for your well-being.

At Athana, with Héra, we want every woman to be able to navigate this period with more comfort, understanding, and gentleness. You are not alone, and solutions exist to help you feel better, day by day.

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