Is it PMS or Perimenopause? 7 Key Signs of Perimenopause You Should Know
Essential Takeaways:
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PMS and perimenopause can come with similar symptoms, so it can be confusing to know which you’re experiencing.
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As you approach perimenopause, your ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. This decline is uneven, which means hormone levels can spike and plummet unexpectedly causing hormonal chaos.
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When it comes to supporting your body, it doesn’t matter whether you’re experiencing PMS or perimenopause. What truly matters is understanding the root cause behind your symptoms—a concept central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
For many women, the line between PMS and perimenopause can be confusing, both come with mood swings, fatigue, and unpredictable cycles. Understanding the subtle signs of perimenopause can help you choose the right support, including powerful herbal remedies designed to nourish your body during this natural transition.
The Hormonal Shifts Behind Perimenopause: What’s Really Happening?
Perimenopause is a time of major hormonal shifts as your body prepares to transition into menopause. The key players? Estrogen and progesterone—two hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health.
What Happens to Estrogen Levels During Perimenopause
As you approach perimenopause, your ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. This decline is uneven, which means hormone levels can spike and plummet unexpectedly causing hormonal chaos. These fluctuations often lead to the hallmark symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and irregular periods.
What Happens to Progesterone Levels During Perimenopause
At the same time, progesterone—the hormone responsible for stabilizing your cycle—also decreases. Without enough progesterone, your periods may become heavier, your moods may feel more volatile, and sleep may become disrupted. This hormonal rollercoaster can last for several years before reaching full menopause (typically marked by 12 months without a period). Many begin to notice perimenopausal symptoms in their 40’s, with some experiencing them in their 30’s.
7 ways to tell if you might be experiencing perimenopause instead of PMS
1. Irregular Periods: Is It a Sign of Perimenopause?
One of the earliest signs of perimenopause is cycle irregularity. You might skip months, spot others, or experience periods that are much heavier or lighter than usual. If your periods have started to feel unpredictable, it could be more than just PMS.
2. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Early Perimenopause Symptoms
If you’re suddenly feeling a heatwave roll through your body or waking up drenched in sweat, these could be classic signs of perimenopause. PMS doesn’t typically include these temperature changes, which are linked to fluctuating estrogen levels.
3. Shifting Sleep Patterns: PMS or Perimenopause?
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is a common complaint during perimenopause, as hormone changes disrupt your body’s natural rhythm. While PMS can cause some restlessness, ongoing sleep disturbances may indicate the hormonal shifts of perimenopause.
4. Mood Swings: How Perimenopause Affects Your Emotions
PMS often brings mood swings in the days leading up to your period, but perimenopause can stretch these emotional ups and downs across the entire month. If you’re feeling irritable, anxious, or sad for extended periods, it may be related to the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause.
5. Weight Gain Around the Middle: Is It Linked to Perimenopause?
Perimenopause often comes with weight gain, especially around the belly. This type of weight gain is less common with PMS and is more often linked to the hormonal changes during the perimenopausal phase, particularly declining estrogen levels.
6. Lower Libido: Understanding Perimenopausal Hormonal Shifts
A drop in sexual desire can happen during both PMS and perimenopause, but if you’re noticing a more persistent decline, it could be a signal that perimenopause is at play. Estrogen and testosterone levels shift during this time, impacting libido.
7. Brain Fog and Memory Issues: Are These Perimenopause Symptoms?
Struggling to remember simple things or feeling mentally “foggy”? While PMS can sometimes cause a bit of mental cloudiness, persistent brain fog is more often linked to perimenopause, as declining hormones affect your cognitive sharpness.
Why Pattern Diagnosis is Key: Treating PMS and Perimenopause Symptoms
Here’s the good news: when it comes to supporting your body, it doesn’t matter whether you’re experiencing PMS or perimenopause. What truly matters is understanding the root cause behind your symptoms—a concept central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). At Elix, your Cycle Balance formula is customized based on your pattern diagnosis, which identifies the specific imbalances in your body.
The same pattern of imbalance could lead to PMS symptoms in one person and perimenopausal symptoms in another. For example, a pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation might cause irritability and cramping during PMS for one woman, while leading to irregular periods and mood swings during perimenopause for another. What’s important is addressing the underlying imbalance rather than just the label of the condition.
What Herbs Are Best For Perimenopause?
Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to bring the body back into balance by addressing these root causes. With Cycle Balance, your personalized herbal formula is designed to target the imbalances causing your symptoms, whether you’re dealing with PMS, perimenopause, or both. Herbs like Angelica, Licorice, and White Peony work harmoniously to restore balance and provide relief that’s tailored to your unique pattern.
At Elix Healing, we believe that every person deserves a holistic approach to wellness that evolves with them. With our clinically proven herbal blends, you can feel confident knowing that your formula is customized to help you thrive at every stage of your hormonal journey.
Ready to find the perfect herbal remedy for your symptoms? Whether it’s PMS or perimenopause, Elix is here to support you with natural, personalized care.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Fine.
Dr. Elizabeth Fine is currently the Dean of Clinical Education at Emperor’s College, the #2 ranked colleges for TCM. She has been practicing Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for over 20 years, with a specialization in women’s reproductive health.
