The Full List of Perimenopause Symptoms

Perimenopause is famous for hot flashes — but most women experience far more. Here's the full list of 34+ symptoms commonly associated with perimenopause, organised by body system.

Cycle changes

Irregular periods
Heavier or lighter bleeding
Shorter or longer cycles
Skipped periods
Spotting between periods

Vasomotor (temperature)

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Chills
Temperature dysregulation

Sleep

Insomnia
Early-morning waking (2–4am)
Difficulty falling asleep
Restless sleep

Mood and cognition

Mood swings
Anxiety (new or worsened)
Low mood / depression
Irritability
Brain fog
Memory lapses
Difficulty concentrating

Weight and metabolism

Weight gain — especially abdominal
Slower metabolism
Insulin resistance signs
New food sensitivities
Bloating

Musculoskeletal

Joint pain
Muscle aches
Frozen shoulder
Back pain

Skin and hair

Dry skin
Itchy skin
Hair thinning
Hair loss
New facial hair

Genitourinary

Vaginal dryness
Painful sex
Recurrent UTIs
Bladder leakage
Reduced libido

Other

Headaches and migraines
Tinnitus
Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Burning mouth
Gum issues
Itchy ears
Electric shock sensations

Which ones to track

Track the ones that disrupt your day. Tracking 5–10 symptoms consistently is more useful than tracking 30 once. Look for patterns over 4–6 weeks: what makes them worse, what helps, and what's changing.

Want a perimenopause coach that does this work for you? Lila tracks 20+ symptoms, identifies your trigger foods through photo meal logging, and adapts your plan as your hormones shift — designed by Rebecca Rumsey, MSc, RD.

The Full List of Perimenopause Symptoms (34+ to Watch For)