Estrogen levels begin to decline in a woman’s mid to late 30’s. As estrogen, and other hormones, decline and production becomes erratic, hormonal chaos begins. Common symptoms of irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, brain fog, worsening PMS, bloating, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and low libido. Other less discussed symptoms include heart palpitations, joint pain, frozen shoulder, itchy, dry and sensitive skin, ringing in the ears, electric shock sensations, gum disease problems, acne, urinary tract infections, nipple discharge and burning mouth syndrome.These symptoms mimic the symptoms of menopause but tend to come and go unlike symptoms associated with menopause. All of these disruptive symptoms can affect your quality of life.

When estrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones start to fluctuate, early perimenopausal symptoms of irregular, heavier or lighter periods, hot flashes and emotional changes including irritability, anxiety and depression can begin.