Finding protein in your diet is preferable to supplements. (Pexels)
MHT can come in the form of a cream. (Getty Images)
Some androgen-related symptoms (like hirsutism/excess hair growth) can continue or worsen during midlife.
Hormone changes can be trickier to track, because the usual PCOS hormone patterns also shift as you age.
You may be at higher risk for things like metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular disease, so regular check-ins with your doctor are key.
Applying an MHT patch (Getty Images)
Workplaces should be supportive of those going through peri/menopause. (Adobe Stock)
There's no miracle diet for peri, but nutrition is key. (Pexels)
You don't have to put up with sleeplessness. (Pexels)
Thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism). Fatigue, weight changes, brain fog, mood swings, and irregular periods can all mimic perimenopause.
Depression and anxiety. Perimenopause can trigger or worsen mental health issues, but they can also exist independently.
Iron deficiency or anaemia — very common in women, especially with heavy periods — can cause brain fog, low energy, and low mood.
Vitamin B12 or D deficiency. Both can contribute to fatigue, memory issues, and mood disturbances.
Sleep apnoea. This is often underdiagnosed in women, and poor sleep can be blamed on menopause when it’s really a separate issue.
ADHD (often undiagnosed in women). Brain fog and concentration issues in midlife sometimes lead to a new diagnosis of neurodivergence that’s been masked or mislabelled.
