Most women are caught off guard by perimenopause. One day you’re sleeping fine and breezing through your workouts, and the next, your period disappears for two months, your mood is all over the place, and you’re waking up drenched in sweat. But perimenopause doesn’t begin overnight—it creeps in gradually. Knowing when to expect it and how to prepare can make a big difference in your comfort and health.
This guide answers the question: When should I start thinking about perimenopause care? We'll explore what happens during this transition, when symptoms typically begin, and how virtual care—especially chat telehealth—can help you manage it on your terms.
Perimenopause is the period of hormonal transition leading up to menopause, which is officially marked by 12 consecutive months without a period. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably. These changes affect not only your menstrual cycle but also your mood, sleep, libido, and brain function.
Unlike menopause, which is a milestone, perimenopause is a moving target. It can last for several years and affect every woman differently. Symptoms come and go. Periods may be skipped for months and then return. And while perimenopause is natural, that doesn’t mean it’s easy—or that you have to suffer through it alone.
The average woman begins perimenopause between ages 40 and 44, but for some, it starts earlier. According to the North American Menopause Society, 1 in 10 women begins to experience symptoms in their mid to late 30s.
Here’s a simplified look:
Some women experience subtle hormonal shifts long before they realize it. That’s why it’s worth paying attention to changes in your body—even in your 30s.
The earliest sign of perimenopause is often irregular periods—but not all irregular periods mean perimenopause. Other early signs include:
These symptoms may appear months—or even years—before more classic signs like hot flashes or missed periods.
💬 “I’m 38 and suddenly my periods are all over the place. My doctor said it’s too early, but I don’t feel like myself anymore.” — Anonymous patient
There’s no such thing as “too early” when it comes to learning how your hormones affect your health. If you’re in your 30s or early 40s and noticing changes—especially ones that disrupt your quality of life—starting perimenopause care is both proactive and smart.
In fact, studies show that early intervention can ease symptoms and help prevent later complications like osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease.
You don’t need to be in full-blown hot-flash mode to start caring for your hormones. You just need to listen to your body.
Traditional healthcare often requires scheduling an appointment weeks in advance, showing up in person, and answering personal questions face-to-face. That’s a barrier for many women—especially those navigating a stage of life that’s confusing and hard to describe.
This is where chat telehealth shines.
With chat telehealth, you can message a licensed women’s health clinician anytime you notice a new symptom—or just want to ask, “Is this normal?” There’s no video required, so you can explain your situation in your own words, at your own pace.
There’s no single blood test that “proves” you’re in perimenopause. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and pattern recognition over time. That’s why tracking what you’re experiencing is so important.
If needed, a clinician may order labs like:
Tracking your cycle, noting changes, and bringing that data into a chat telehealth visit gives your provider a clear picture without needing to visit a clinic in person.
Perimenopause symptoms can feel chaotic, but they are manageable—especially if you start early.
Medication options include:
Lifestyle shifts can also make a difference:
💬 “I thought I was losing my mind—until a provider helped me connect my mood swings and weird sleep to perimenopause. I felt validated for the first time.” — Anonymous patient
No. Hormone therapy (HT) is effective for many women but isn’t the right choice for everyone. The decision to use HT depends on your symptoms, age, and personal health history.
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, HT is safest and most effective when started within 10 years of your final period and before age 60.
If you’re unsure about risks or benefits, chat-based consultations let you ask your questions without pressure, judgment, or rushed decision-making.
Not every symptom is part of “normal” perimenopause. Here’s when to talk to a provider right away:
Even if your doctor says you’re “too young,” you deserve answers—and there’s no downside to asking.
Viv Health was built for the way women want care today: on-demand, private, and led by experts in women’s health. Our chat telehealth model lets you:
You don’t have to wait until menopause to start taking control of your health. Whether you’re 35 or 50, Viv is here to help you understand what’s going on—and feel better, faster.
By combining evidence-based guidance with convenient virtual women’s healthcare, Viv Health makes treatment seamless, safe, and personalized—for every stage of your life.
Written by Women's Health Experts
