Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Reading time: five minutes
Perimenopause can be a confusing time, filled with unexpected changes that leave you wondering, Is this normal?
If you have been experiencing new symptoms and aren’t sure if they’re related to perimenopause, this quiz can help you assess whether your body is transitioning toward menopause.
While this is not a diagnostic tool, it can give you a better idea of whether your symptoms align with perimenopause. For a definitive answer, consult a hormone specialist who can evaluate your hormone levels and discuss treatment options.
Table of Contents
Quick Perimenopause Quiz
Answer yes or no to the following questions:
- Have your periods become irregular—shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter?
- Have you noticed more frequent or intense mood swings?
- Do you struggle with sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep?
- Have you experienced sudden hot flashes or night sweats?
- Do you often feel fatigued or notice a decrease in energy levels?
- Have you been experiencing brain fog or trouble concentrating?
- Do you feel more anxious or overwhelmed than usual?
- Have you gained weight, especially around your abdomen, despite no major changes in diet or exercise?
- Do you experience vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse?
- Have you noticed changes in your skin, such as dryness or increased sensitivity?
- Have you experienced hair thinning or hair loss?
Results:
- If you answered yes to three or more questions, you may be experiencing perimenopause.
- If you answered yes to five or more, it’s likely that perimenopause is affecting your daily life.
- Regardless of your score, consulting a specialist can help you better understand your symptoms and explore potential treatment options.
Understanding Perimenopause Symptoms
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, during which hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms emerge. This phase can begin as early as your late 30s or early 40s and typically lasts several years.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common symptoms:
1. Irregular Periods
Estrogen and progesterone levels become unpredictable, causing cycles to vary in length and intensity. Some women experience heavier bleeding, while others notice their periods becoming infrequent before stopping altogether.
2. Mood Changes and Anxiety
Shifting hormones can lead to irritability, mood swings, and heightened anxiety. You may feel more emotional than usual or have difficulty handling stress.
Learn more about mood changes and anxiety in this blog: Perimenopause Changes: YOU Aren’t Going Crazy, Your Hormones Are!
3. Sleep Disturbances
Many women report difficulty falling asleep or waking frequently throughout the night. Night sweats can also contribute to disrupted sleep.
4. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Sudden, intense waves of heat can make you feel flushed and uncomfortable. These can happen during the day or night, interfering with your daily routine and sleep.
5. Fatigue and Low Energy
Even if you get enough rest, you may still feel drained throughout the day. Hormonal imbalances can contribute to persistent fatigue.
6. Brain Fog and Memory Issues
Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental fog are common complaints. Many women feel like their thinking isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
7. Vaginal dryness and decreased libido
Lower estrogen levels can lead to thinning vaginal tissues, resulting in dryness, discomfort, and reduced interest in intimacy.
8. Weight Gain
Many women gain weight during perimenopause, especially around the midsection. Metabolism slows down, and hormonal fluctuations affect how your body stores fat.
9. Changes in Hair and Skin
You may notice drier skin, increased sensitivity, or a loss of elasticity. Hair thinning or shedding can also occur as estrogen levels drop.
Check out our comprehensive medical blog for information on perimenopause symptoms and how to manage them.
How BHRT Can Help
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help balance hormone levels and alleviate many of these symptoms.
Unlike synthetic hormones, BHRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those your body naturally produces. Here’s how BHRT can help with perimenopause:
- Regulates menstrual cycles: Helps restore more predictable cycles.
- Improves mood and reduces anxiety: Supports emotional well-being and stabilizes mood swings.
- Improves sleep quality: Reduces night sweats and promotes deeper, more restful sleep.
- Relieves hot flashes: Helps minimize the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
- Boosts energy levels: Supports overall vitality and helps combat fatigue.
- Improves cognitive function: Reduces brain fog and helps with mental clarity.
- Supports vaginal health: Addresses dryness and enhances comfort during intimacy.
- Aids in weight management: Helps regulate metabolism and prevent excess weight gain.
- Promotes healthy skin and hair: Supports collagen production and reduces hair thinning.
Next Steps
At the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, we understand how disruptive perimenopause symptoms can be.
Dr. Kenton Bruice has helped countless women regain their sense of well-being through personalized hormone testing and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
With a compassionate approach and tailored treatment plans, Dr. Bruice provides long-term solutions to help you feel like yourself again.
To book an appointment for hormone testing in Denver, call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 55 Madison Street, Suite 575 Denver, CO.
📍Other locations:
St.Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri
9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225 , St. Louis, MO.
📞(314) 222-7567
FAQs
What are the first signs of perimenopause starting?
The earliest signs of perimenopause often include irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety. Some women also experience brain fog, fatigue, and changes in their skin and hair. While these are some of the most common symptoms, perimenopause can present in many different ways, and experiences can vary from person to person.
How can you check if you are perimenopausal?
A hormone specialist can evaluate your symptoms and perform hormone testing to check your levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other key hormones. Tracking your menstrual cycle and symptoms over time can also provide insight.
What are the 7 stages of perimenopause?
Perimenopause is typically divided into early and late stages. While there aren’t officially seven distinct stages, symptoms generally progress through phases, including:
- Subtle hormone fluctuations with occasional irregular periods.
- Increased irregularity in cycle length and intensity.
- Onset of hot flashes and sleep disturbances.
- More pronounced mood swings and cognitive changes.
- Declining estrogen levels leading to vaginal dryness and decreased libido.
- Increased weight gain and metabolic shifts.
- Final menstrual period, marking the transition into menopause.
How can I test myself for perimenopause?
While at-home hormone test kits are available, they may not provide a complete picture. The best way to assess perimenopause is by consulting a hormone specialist who can interpret lab results alongside your symptoms for a personalized treatment plan.