Why Perimenopause Feels So Confusing and What You Can Do About It
Are your periods suddenly unpredictable? Mood swings creeping in? You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Welcome to perimenopause, the most hormonally volatile phase of your life.
Understanding the Chaos:
Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause, usually starting in your 40s, though some women notice changes even earlier. Unlike the clear-cut hormonal shifts of puberty or pregnancy, perimenopause is a hormonal rollercoaster with no set timeline.Symptoms can include:
Irregular or heavy periods
Insomnia or disturbed sleep
Anxiety or low mood
Brain fog and forgetfulness
Breast tenderness
Fatigue
Weight gain, especially around the middle
It can feel like you're aging overnight, but much of this is driven by erratic hormone levels that fluctuate not just month-to-month, but day-to-day.
Why Traditional Testing Falls Short:
Many women are told, "Your blood tests are normal," even while they feel far from it. That’s because conventional hormone testing is a snapshot in time. Perimenopause is defined by unpredictable fluctuations. A single blood draw can miss the bigger picture entirely.
The Mira Solution:
Mira offers an at-home way to track your key hormone levels—estrogen (E3G), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone (via PdG)—over time. This means you get a dynamic view of how your hormones are changing, helping you understand why you feel off-balance on some days and not others.
How Sirona Health Can Help:
At Sirona Health, we go beyond simply handing you test results. We help you understand them. Through expert interpretation, we correlate your Mira hormone trends with your symptoms and life stage. This gives us a roadmap for tailored advice, whether you're exploring HRT, supplements, or lifestyle changes.
Stop guessing and start understanding. Let Mira and Sirona Health help you decode your hormones and reclaim your sense of control.
Track Your Hormones with Mira—And Save 30%
Get everything you need to monitor your hormone patterns for 3 full months:
Use discount code SIRONAHEALTH at checkout to save 30%—you'll pay just £312.20 (saving £133.80 off the full price).
If you would like to read more about diagnosing the perimenopause then please see my other blog post on this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause when hormone levels start to fluctuate, leading to physical and emotional symptoms.
Why do I feel so mentally foggy during perimenopause?
Fluctuating estrogen affects brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which can impact memory, focus, and mood.
How long does perimenopause last?
It typically lasts 4–8 years but varies. Some women experience symptoms for just a year or two, while others may feel them for longer.
Should I get a blood test to confirm perimenopause?
Usually not. Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, age, and cycle changes. Blood tests can be misleading due to fluctuating hormone levels.
What can I do to feel better during perimenopause?
Lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and targeted supplements or medications can all help—especially when personalised to you.
Book your consultation today and request a Mira Clinic invite to securely sync your hormone data with Sirona Health—so it's ready and waiting for your appointment.
About the Author
Dr Georgina Standen is a Women’s Health GP and Medical Director of Sirona Health. She specialises in menopause care, hormonal health, and holistic health assessments for women navigating midlife. Dr Standen combines evidence-based medicine with personalised, compassionate care.