So I've been sitting on this for weeks and I still don't know how to say it properly, even here. It's not that things are painful exactly. It's more that everything just feels... different. Drier. Less interested. Like that part of me quietly packed its bags without leaving a note. And I haven't told my husband. Haven't told my GP. Haven't really admitted it to myself until about ten minutes ago when I typed it out just now. I've got an appointment coming up and I genuinely don't know what words to use. "I'm dry" sounds too clinical. "I've gone off sex" sounds like a complaint about him, which it isn't. I've started scribbling things down in the notes app on my phone, the actual physical symptoms, so I don't just sit there and say "oh everything's fine" the way I always do. Because everything is not fine and I deserve to actually say that out loud to someone who can help. Anyone else had to almost rehearse this conversation before they could have it? x
Perimenopause
What women tried during perimenopause — and what they reported happening.
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Right. GP appointment on Thursday and I know exactly what will happen. I'll sit down, she'll ask how I'm doing, and every single thing I meant to say will vanish. Completely. Like it was never there. So I've been writing stuff down this week. Proper notes, times and everything. Woke at 2.47, woke at 3.15, woke at 4am and didn't get back off. Mood: fine in the morning, inexplicably flat by 3pm. That sort of thing. Nothing fancy, just the phone notes app. I want to ask about HRT specifically and whether it can help with sleep as much as the other stuff, because honestly the broken nights are what's breaking me, not the flushes. But I'm nervous she'll just say it's stress and send me off with a leaflet. I've been fobbed off before and I really don't have the energy to fight this time. Also quietly cutting down on wine midweek which I didn't think would do anything but actually I think I'm sleeping a bit lighter rather than crashing and then bouncing awake at 3? Hard to tell. Only been a week. Does anyone have advice on what to actually SAY in the room when you're worried about being dismissed? Like the exact words. My brain turns to mush the second I sit down in that chair. x
Ok this is small but I need to tell someone. I slept from 11 to 6 without waking up in a panic at 3am. That hasn't happened in honestly months. I've been trying to note what's different and the only thing I can think of is I actually ate a proper breakfast every day this week instead of just coffee until noon. Probably a coincidence but I'm writing it down anyway because I have a GP appointment coming up and I want to track what changes and when. Anyway. One good night. I'll take it 😊 x
This page contains self-reported experiences — not clinical trial data. Every woman's hormonal health journey is different. Use it as context for healthcare conversations.
What women are saying about perimenopause
i have been practicing yoga for about a year and I honestly think this helps with a calmer mood, if I have not been to a class for a couple of weeks I really do notice a shift in mood, I would definitely mention yoga practice for a inner calm
— misty_freesia
Yoga · Perimenopause
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s, though it can start earlier. It marks the transition toward menopause and is characterised by fluctuating hormone levels that can produce a wide range of symptoms. On Narrated, women share what they tried during this phase and what happened.
Common experiences logged by women in perimenopause include irregular cycles, hot flashes (hot flushes), sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, and shifts in weight or metabolism. These symptoms vary widely from woman to woman and can last several years.
Women on Narrated have logged their experiences with HRT, supplements like magnesium and black cohosh, and lifestyle approaches including exercise protocols and dietary changes. Each log includes dosing details, duration, self-reported outcome scores, and side effects.
This data reflects what real women reported — it is not clinical research or a substitute for healthcare conversations.
What Women Tried
Types of approaches logged for perimenopause. Many logs include multiple approaches.
Established approaches for perimenopause
Clinical guidelines reference several approaches for this goal:
- 1.HRT as a menopause-care approach
- 2.Regular exercise — both aerobic and strength training
- 3.Cognitive behavioural support for mood and sleep symptoms
Below are community-reported experiences with approaches for this same goal.
NICE — Menopause: diagnosis and managementCommunity Experiences(1)
Show reports containing
i have been practicing yoga for about a year and I honestly think this helps with a calmer mood, if I have not been to a class for a couple of weeks I really do notice a shift in mood, I would definitely mention yoga practice for a inner calm
Outcome
3/10 at 12 wk
Continue
Yes
Timeline
52 weeks
What Women Report Trying
Common approach categories reported by women for perimenopause, linking to detailed pages.
HRT / Hormonal
Oestrogen (estrogen) patches, progesterone, testosterone, and various delivery methods reported by women in perimenopause.
Supplements
Vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds women report trying for perimenopause symptoms.
Lifestyle
Exercise, dietary changes, stress management, and other non-pharmaceutical approaches women have logged.
Approach categories reflect self-reported community data. Narrated does not endorse, rank, or advise the use of any approach.
Frequently Asked
What age does perimenopause start?
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s, though it can start in the mid-30s for some women. On Narrated, women have logged perimenopause experiences across a range of ages. The transition period can last anywhere from a few years to over a decade before menopause.
What are the first signs of perimenopause?
Based on self-reported experiences on Narrated, the most commonly reported early signs include menstrual irregularity, sleep disruption, mood changes, and brain fog. Every woman's experience is different — some report dramatic symptom onset while others describe a gradual shift.
What do women try for perimenopause symptoms?
Women on Narrated have logged experiences with HRT (oestrogen/estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), supplements (magnesium, black cohosh, ashwagandha), and lifestyle changes (strength training, dietary shifts). These are self-reported experiences, not recommendations.
Is perimenopause the same as menopause?
No. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause, characterised by fluctuating hormone levels. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. Women on Narrated log experiences for both phases separately, as the symptom profiles and approaches often differ.
How long does perimenopause last?
The duration varies widely. Medical literature describes a range of 2 to 10+ years. On Narrated, women have logged experiences spanning different phases of this transition. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
Related Health Goals
Women exploring perimenopause also browse these categories.
Menopause
Experiences from women navigating menopause — approaches, outcomes, and real stories.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
What real women tried for hot flashes (hot flushes) and night sweats — and how it went.
Sleep
What women tried to improve sleep during hormonal changes — and what they noticed.
Mood, Anxiety & Hormones
How women addressed anxiety, mood changes, and emotional shifts tied to hormonal transitions.
Brain Fog
Approaches women tried for brain fog and cognitive changes during hormonal shifts.
Your Experience Matters
Every experience you share helps another woman feel less alone — and more informed.
Log My ExperienceData last updated: May 22, 2026