What are the most common symptoms of perimenopause?
Reviewed by Dr. Ana Lisa Carr, MD, MBA · Last reviewed May 10, 2026
Answer published
The most commonly reported perimenopause symptoms are irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, joint pain, and vaginal dryness. Many women also notice weight changes, lower libido, and heart palpitations. Symptoms fluctuate because estrogen and progesterone levels swing — sometimes dramatically — for years before periods stop. Tracking symptoms with a structured tool helps you and your clinician identify patterns and decide whether treatment is appropriate.
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