You feel different. More emotional. More tired. You’re sleeping worse, becoming more easily irritated, and your menstrual cycle has suddenly become anything but regular. You feel out of balance – yet when you bring this up with your GP, you’re told you’re “too young for the menopause.” Sound familiar?
You may be in perimenopause – a natural, but often misunderstood stage in many women’s lives. A time when your body is trying to tell you something. Not with dramatic signs, but with signals that are all too easy to dismiss.
At IKARIA Clinics, we believe these signals should be taken seriously – and we’re here to help you take back control of your health.
So, what exactly is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional stage before the official menopause, when your hormone levels – especially oestrogen and progesterone – start to fluctuate. These hormonal changes can begin as early as your mid-30s and last on average between four and ten years.¹
It’s a biological transition just as natural as puberty – only less well understood, less openly discussed, and often less well supported.
During this time, a variety of physical and emotional symptoms can appear. And because your periods often continue – albeit irregularly – it can feel as though you’re caught between two worlds: too early for menopause, too late for “just busy.”
Recognisable signs, but rarely called by their name
Perimenopause seldom comes with a clear label. Many women recognise themselves in the following symptoms:
Irregular or heavier periods
Night sweats or sudden hot flushes
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Loss of energy, even after a good night’s rest
Emotional ups and downs, mood swings, irritability
Brain fog, that vague, woolly-headed feeling
Increase in abdominal fat without changes to your diet
Reduced libido, vaginal dryness
These symptoms can build gradually. Because they can also occur with stress, a busy lifestyle, or burnout, they’re rarely recognised as hormonal imbalance.² This makes it all the more frustrating: you know something is going on, yet you don’t get the acknowledgement.
The problem with this ‘grey area’
The official definition of menopause is: 12 consecutive months without a period.⁴ But the years before – when hormonal fluctuations and symptoms can be at their most intense – often fall into a medical no man’s land.
It’s common to be told your blood results are “within the normal range” or that “it’s just part of life.” Yet you don’t feel like yourself. And that’s exactly the problem.
Many women end up trying to figure things out alone – via Google, podcasts, online forums, or dubious supplements. Sometimes they find support, but often it’s just scattered information. What’s missing is structure, professional guidance, and a clear plan.
What you can do: four steps towards balance
The good news is: you don’t have to stay stuck in this. You can regain control over your symptoms and make choices that positively influence your health – both physically and mentally.
1. Listen to your body and take yourself seriously
Your body is sending you clear signals, even if your surroundings or GP don’t yet recognise them. Keep a symptom or cycle diary.³ This helps you spot patterns and strengthens your own intuition. You know better than anyone how you feel.
2. Seek integrated guidance, not a one-size-fits-all answer
At IKARIA Clinics, we look at the bigger picture: not just your hormone levels, but also your sleep, nutrition, stress load, and mental wellbeing. Everything is connected. We don’t work with standard protocols – we design a personalised plan that fits you, your life, and your goals.
3. Make lifestyle adjustments, small steps, big impact
Lifestyle changes aren’t a magic cure, but they can be a powerful ally. Consider:
Strength training – supports muscle retention, energy, and fat metabolism
Protein- and fibre-rich diet – helps hormone balance and satiety
Limit alcohol, sugar, and caffeine – all of which can aggravate symptoms
Schedule rest – recovery is essential for hormonal balance
We don’t believe in extremes – just sustainable, realistic changes that fit into your life.
4. Get professional testing, knowledge brings peace of mind
Many women have deficiencies without realising it – think iron, B12, magnesium, or vitamin D. Hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol can also be out of balance.⁶
With professional blood tests and consultations, you gain clarity about what’s really happening in your body. And that clarity brings peace, because you’ll know where you stand and what you can do.
You don’t have to go through this alone
At IKARIA Clinics, we believe every woman deserves expert, accessible support – especially in the years when so much is still unclear.
We don’t offer off-the-shelf solutions. We take the time to really get to know you. Our doctors, consultants, and coaches are experienced in guiding women through perimenopause and understand what you’re going through. We listen – without judgement, and without putting you into a rigid medical box.
Our promise? More energy, more understanding of your own body, and a personalised plan that fits your life. No medical overkill. No vague advice. Just an approach that works.
Start today for a healthier tomorrow
Perhaps you’re tired of feeling “off” without a clear reason. Perhaps you want to think more clearly, feel more energised, or simply feel like yourself again.
This is your moment. Don’t wait until it gets worse or “just passes.” Perimenopause isn’t a pause button, it’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself.
At IKARIA Clinics, we guide women like you with expertise, warmth, and tailor-made care.
Ready to take action?
Book an introductory appointment and discover how small changes can make a big difference.
Sources
NHG – Menopause & Perimenopause Guidelines: https://richtlijnen.nhg.org
Dutch Menopause Foundation: https://www.menopause.nl
Radboudumc – Women & Hormones: https://www.radboudumc.nl
Thuisarts.nl – Menopause: https://www.thuisarts.nl/overgang
The North American Menopause Society – Hormone Tracking: https://www.menopause.org
Hormone Health Network – Hormone Testing: https://www.hormone.org
This article was created with the support of AI and medical sources.