Perimenopause symptoms: a checklist for Australian women

Perimenopause is the hormonal transition before menopause itself. Symptoms typically begin in the late 30s or early 40s — while periods are still happening but cycles are starting to change. Many Australian women are told they're 'too young' for these symptoms to be hormonal, when in fact perimenopause is exactly the right diagnosis.

The most common cluster

Hot flushes and night sweats. Sleep disruption — falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Brain fog and memory changes. Mood changes, anxiety that wasn't there before, low mood. Joint aches and stiffness. Cycle changes — heavier, lighter, shorter, longer, or skipped. Libido changes. Migraines or headaches changing pattern. Weight that won't shift the way it used to.

What to do next

If several of these are happening together and you're between 35 and 50, the chance it's hormonal is high. The next step is a real consultation — not an 8-minute appointment — with a doctor who has time to map the pattern against the perimenopausal trajectory. RACGP guidance is that bloodwork isn't usually required for diagnosis in women over 45.

Full article coming soon. In the meantime, the [perimenopause programme page](/perimenopause) covers our approach, and the [menopause assessment](/quiz/menopause) routes you to the right doctor.

This is general health information and not medical advice. Your doctor will discuss your specific situation during a consultation.