Recognising the signs of early perimenopause: What I wish I knew in my 30s
My early perimenopause experience: Anxiety without warning
My first encounter with perimenopause came in my mid-thirties, though at the time, I had no idea what was happening to me. I woke up one day feeling debilitating anxiety and paranoia, emotions so intense I didn’t understand their source.
Looking back, I now realise I’d missed the early warning signs:
Bloating
Tender breasts
Heavy, irregular periods
These were clear indicators of declining progesterone, which often leads to an estrogen-dominant state in early perimenopause.
The perfect storm: Stress, illness, and lifestyle choices
But it wasn’t just hormones I was battling. At the same time:
I was pregnant with my second daughter
My dad had been diagnosed with terminal cancer with a prognosis of three months
I had work stress and international travel, which led to contracting two parasites, neither diagnosed nor treated promptly
My diet was poor: alcohol, sugary treats, and a lack of nutrient-dense foods
This combination of external stress, inflammation, and nutrient depletion left my body ill-equipped to handle the hormonal rollercoaster of early perimenopause.
What I wish I’d known then
If only I had understood the natural hormonal changes happening inside me, I could have avoided years of anxiety and confusion.
Why is this important?
Perimenopause can begin as early as your 30s, starting with progesterone decline before estrogen drops.
Early symptoms are often subtle or mistaken for other issues.
Recognising these early signs empowers you to take action, rather than suffer in silence.
Understanding hormone changes: The key to early recognition
Hormones in perimenopause don’t just drop steadily, they fluctuate unpredictably. This is why you may experience emotional upheaval or physical symptoms that don’t seem connected.
To better understand these hormonal changes and symptoms, check out my Estrogen Rollercoaster Guide, which explains what high vs low estrogen looks like in your body.
How to take control early
Knowledge is power. By understanding your body’s hormonal shifts, you can:
Recognise symptoms early
Make healthier lifestyle choices that support hormone balance
Reduce inflammation and improve nutrient intake
Manage stress effectively
I recommend starting with my Symptom Tracker Tool to help you identify patterns and changes over time.
Taking proactive steps for a smoother journey
You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to act. Early intervention through:
Balanced nutrition
Stress management techniques like meditation or gentle exercise
Avoiding inflammatory foods and alcohol
Seeking medical advice with hormonal testing
can make a significant difference.
Resources to support you
To help you get started, here are some tools I created from my own experience:
Symptom Tracker Tool — Track your daily symptoms to identify trends and triggers.
Stages of Menopause PDF — Learn the phases of perimenopause and menopause to know what to expect.
Self-Assessment Survey — Find out how well you are set up to support your body through this transition.
Lifestyle Course — A holistic program designed to rebalance your mind and body naturally.
Final Thoughts
Early perimenopause can be confusing and challenging, but with the right knowledge and tools, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start paying attention to your body, track your symptoms, and take proactive steps for your health.
Remember, you are not alone, and support is available.