Signs You’re in Perimenopause (Not Just Stressed)
Many women come to my classes thinking they’re just stressed, run down, or not coping as well as they used to. They tell me they feel more emotional, more tired, more overwhelmed, or like their body isn’t responding the way it always has.
Very often, what they’re experiencing isn’t just stress.
It can be perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the stage before menopause when hormone levels begin to change, sometimes gradually, sometimes quite suddenly. It can start in your early 40s, and for some women even earlier, but because the symptoms can be subtle at first, it’s easy to assume you’re just busy, tired, or getting older.
One of the most common signs is feeling unusually exhausted, even when you haven’t done anything different. You might notice your sleep isn’t as deep, you wake in the night, or you feel tired even after a full night in bed.
Mood changes are also very common. You may feel more anxious, more irritable, or more emotional than usual, sometimes without a clear reason. Things you used to cope with easily can suddenly feel overwhelming, and your tolerance for stress may feel much lower.
Many women also notice changes in their body. You might feel stiffer, weaker, or more prone to aches and pains, especially in the neck, shoulders, hips, or lower back. Weight can shift more easily, particularly around the middle, even if your diet and activity haven’t changed.
Brain fog is another symptom I hear about a lot. Forgetting words, losing track of what you were doing, or feeling less sharp mentally can be unsettling, especially if you’re used to being organised and on top of things.
Because all of this can happen at the same time as a busy stage of life, it’s very easy to assume it’s just stress. And while stress can make symptoms worse, hormonal changes can make your nervous system more sensitive, so the same level of pressure feels harder to manage than it used to.
The important thing to remember is that your body isn’t failing you.
It’s changing, and it needs a different kind of support.
This is often the time when gentler movement, better rest, and learning how to calm the nervous system become more important than pushing harder. In my Pilates classes, many women notice that slow, controlled movement and focused breathing help them feel more stable, both physically and emotionally.
Perimenopause can feel confusing, but it’s also a stage where you can learn to listen to your body in a new way.
If you’ve been feeling different lately and can’t quite explain why, it might not just be stress.
It could be your body asking for a slower, kinder approach as it moves into the next phase of life.
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Tracy Richardson MSc is a movement and wellness specialist with a background in therapy, Pilates, and wellbeing, she combines evidence-based practice with a nurturing, mindful approach. Tracy’s mission is to empower individuals to move with awareness, release tension, and cultivate sustainable health, strength, and inner calm. When she’s not teaching or writing, you’ll often find her walking her dog, practising Pilates, or sipping a calming cup of tea.
