Preparing for Perimenopause: What to Know in Your Late 30s and Early 40s
Perimenopause isn’t a moment—it’s a gradual, often misunderstood transition that can begin up to 10 years before menopause. For many women, it quietly starts in their late 30s or early 40s, even while menstrual cycles still appear “normal.”
This hormone-shifting season can bring surprises: from changes in mood to disrupted sleep, energy crashes, and more intense PMS. Understanding what’s happening and supporting your body now can make all the difference in how you feel—today and in the years ahead.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when hormone production—particularly estrogen and progesterone—begins to fluctuate. It's a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean it's always easy.
Common early signs of perimenopause include:
Mood swings or anxiety
Irregular or heavier periods
Poor sleep or frequent waking
Lower stress tolerance
Worsening PMS or breast tenderness
These symptoms often reflect imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol—and they can show up years before your final menstrual period.
The Stages of Perimenopause
Perimenopause is best understood in two key stages: early and late. Here’s how to recognize where you might be on the spectrum:
Early Perimenopause
Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles may become slightly irregular—coming a few days early or late.
Initial symptom onset: Hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep issues may begin to appear.
Cycle length variations: Cycles may become longer or shorter by 7 days or more, signaling hormonal shifts.
Late Perimenopause
Increased irregularity: Periods become more erratic, with longer gaps (60+ days) between cycles.
Missed periods: Some months may be skipped entirely.
Intensifying symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and mood swings often become more pronounced.
Transition to menopause: Late perimenopause ends with 12 consecutive months without a period—the clinical definition of menopause.
How to Prepare—Before It Gets Rocky
Your late 30s and early 40s are the perfect window to build hormone resilience. Here’s how we support women through this transition at Sun Valley Natural Medicine:
Support Liver Detox - Your liver plays a crucial role in clearing excess estrogen. Eat plenty of cruciferous veggies, stay hydrated, and consider targeted nutrients like DIM or calcium-d-glucarate (if indicated).
Strengthen Adrenal Resilience - Your adrenal glands help buffer hormonal transitions. We support them with magnesium, vitamin C, sodium, and adaptogenic herbs to reduce cortisol-driven symptoms.
Use Evidence-Based Botanicals - Herbs like chaste tree berry (Vitex), maca, and rhodiola can help support mood, hormone balance, and energy—but only when used at the right stage.
Track Your Cycle & Symptoms - Use an app or journal to monitor changes in your cycle, energy, mood, and sleep. This data helps us personalize your care and catch early imbalances before they escalate.
The Sun Valley Natural Medicine Approach
We blend functional lab testing, nutrition, herbal medicine, and nervous system support to guide women through perimenopause with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re in the early stages or nearing menopause, we tailor your care based on where you are—and where you want to go.
This is a season of transformation—not decline. With the right tools, perimenopause can be a time of renewal, empowerment, and deepened self-awareness.
Ready to feel balanced and supported through the next chapter? Book a consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors today.