8 Perimenopause Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Let’s be real—perimenopause doesn’t come with a manual. Most of us are blindsided by symptoms we didn’t even know were a thing. We’re talking hot flashes, anxiety, brain fog, and mood swings that feel like they’re straight out of a teenage soap opera.

And to make things even more confusing? The internet is FULL of conflicting information. So today, I’m setting the record straight on 8 of the most common myths about perimenopause—because the more you know, the more power you have to navigate this season with confidence.

Myth #1: Perimenopause Only Happens in Your 50s

Fact: Perimenopause can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s.
While the average age for menopause is 51, perimenopause is the transition leading up to it, and it can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. If you’re noticing weird changes in your body and you’re not even 45 yet, you’re not imagining things—you might already be in perimenopause.

Myth #2: If You’re Still Getting a Period, You’re Not in Perimenopause

Fact: You can still have periods—regular or irregular—and be deep in perimenopause.
Perimenopause is all about hormonal fluctuation, not just whether or not you’re getting your period. Some women continue to bleed like clockwork but experience all the classic symptoms like brain fog, night sweats, and mood swings.

Myth #3: Everyone Experiences Perimenopause the Same Way

Fact: Perimenopause is wildly different for every woman.
Some women breeze through it. Others feel like their bodies have been hijacked. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline or symptom checklist. Your experience will be shaped by your genetics, lifestyle, stress levels, and overall health.

Myth #4: Hot Flashes Are the First Sign

Fact: Many women experience symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mood shifts long before hot flashes show up.
In fact, hot flashes might never show up for some women at all. Hormonal changes affect everything from your brain to your metabolism, and those subtler symptoms are often the first clues.

Myth #5: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Perimenopause

Fact: You can absolutely still get pregnant.
Ovulation becomes irregular, but it doesn’t stop completely until menopause (12 months with no period). If pregnancy is not part of your midlife goals, don’t ditch the birth control just yet.

Myth #6: Perimenopause Only Affects Your Period or Reproductive System

Fact: This phase impacts your entire body and mind.
From joint pain and fatigue to depression and libido changes, estrogen affects everything from your bones to your brain chemistry. It’s not just about your cycle—it’s about how your body is recalibrating as hormones shift.

Myth #7: There’s Nothing You Can Do About It

Fact: There’s A LOT you can do.
No, you can’t stop the hormonal changes—but you can support your body through them. Strength training, protein-forward nutrition, stress management, quality sleep, and yes, even HRT or supplements when needed, can make a massive difference in how you feel.

Myth #8: Perimenopause = The End of Youth

Fact: This is a new beginning, not the end of anything.
Midlife is not a crisis—it's a reset. You're wiser, stronger, and more resilient than ever. With the right tools, support, and mindset, perimenopause can be a powerful time of growth and self-discovery.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve felt confused, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted by this midlife transition—you’re not alone. The truth is, most of us were never taught what perimenopause actually is. But that stops here.

You deserve to feel strong, informed, and in control of your body again.