Perimenopause

What is Perimenopuase?​

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause, when the ovaries gradually begin to produce fewer hormones. This phase can last several years and often begins in a person’s 30s or 40s, though timing varies.

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What You Might Experience During Perimenopuase

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause can bring both physical and emotional changes, including:

• irregular or changing menstrual cycles

• hot flashes or night sweats

• sleep disruption

• mood changes or increased anxiety

• brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• fatigue or body aches

• vaginal dryness or libido changes

Perimenopause is normal, but it can be surprisingly intense — especially when it affects identity, relationships, motherhood, work, and mental health

 

Why It Matters

Perimenopause isn’t “just hormones” or a phase to push through quietly. It marks a major life transition—physically, emotionally, and socially. Understanding perimenopause helps people recognize that the changes they’re experiencing have a real cause and are worthy of care and attention.

Perimenopause matters because:

• it can significantly impact mood, energy, sleep, and daily functioning

• it influences relationships, parenting, work, and sense of identity

• early understanding can prevent years of confusion or self-blame

• many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when untreated perimenopausal changes are contributing

• it opens space for conversations about aging, body changes, and self-compassion

When perimenopause is ignored, people often silently struggle and assume they are “falling apart.” When it is named and understood, it becomes something navigable—not something to fear.

Recognizing perimenopause allows individuals to seek support, advocate for themselves in medical settings, and access tools that help them feel more like themselves again.

 

How We Can Help

At The Village, we offer support through:

• therapy focused on identity changes, anxiety, mood, and emotional regulation

• education around hormonal transitions and nervous system responses

• postpartum-to-perimenopause continuum care

• groups, workshops, and community spaces

• referrals to trusted medical and pelvic health providers

We honor perimenopause as a real, valid season of life — not something you just have to push through silently.

We’re here to help you feel grounded, supported, and understood.