What exactly is perimenopause?
Perimenopause literally means “around menopause,” but that translation barely scratches the surface of what’s really going on. It’s a powerful, natural transition—your body’s way of signalling that change is coming. The reproductive system begins to slow down, eventually leading to menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period.
Most women enter perimenopause between the ages of 40 and 44, though it can start as early as your mid-30s and last anywhere from two to ten years—or longer. The average age of menopause for Canadian women is around 51.
And yet, many women don’t even realise they’re in perimenopause. Why? Because the signs can be subtle at first—and often mistaken for “just being tired” or “having too much on your plate.”
What actually happens in perimenopause?
Think of perimenopause as puberty in reverse. Your ovaries start producing less estrogen, progesterone, and yes, even testosterone (a hormone women have too!). Hormonal fluctuations can become more pronounced and unpredictable, making it a time of both physical and emotional adjustment.
Yes, it can feel like a rollercoaster—but it’s also a chance to tune into your body in a deeper way. Rather than seeing this time as a phase of deficiency, it can be viewed as a shift: a new chapter that, with the right support, can be navigated with confidence and calm.
Can you get pregnant during perimenopause?
Short answer: yes. Even though ovulation becomes less regular, it’s still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. If avoiding pregnancy is important to you, contraception is still necessary until you’ve reached menopause (that full year without a period).
Signs and symptoms of perimenopause
There’s no one-size-fits-all checklist—but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:
-
Irregular periods (longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, or missed entirely)
-
Mood swings, anxiety or low mood
-
Fatigue or feeling more easily overwhelmed
-
Hot flushes and night sweats
-
Brain fog and forgetfulness
-
Changes in skin texture
-
Low libido
-
Sleep disruptions
-
Weight gain around the middle
-
Joint aches and general stiffness
These symptoms might not all show up at once—and some may come and go. But if you’re noticing a pattern, it might be time to talk to your healthcare provider and look at ways to support your body through this transition.
How Harmony Menopause can help
This is where Harmony Menopause tablets come in. A trusted, natural solution available here in Canada, Harmony Menopause is formulated with a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Western herbs—plus added Vitamin D, Magnesium and Calcium—to provide gentle, yet effective support for the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
Whether you’re dealing with night sweats, sleepless nights, mood swings or simply don’t feel quite like yourself, Harmony Menopause helps balance hormones and support your nervous system, without the use of black cohosh. Key ingredients include:
-
Rehmannia – Traditionally used to support adrenal health and energy
-
Peony – Helps calm mood fluctuations and emotional tension
-
Chaste Tree – Supports hormone regulation
-
Vitamin D – Supports bone health, immune function and mood
-
Dong Quai – Known as the “female ginseng”, traditionally used for menstrual health
Together, these ingredients help bring your body back into balance—naturally.
What else can you do?
Perimenopause is a wake-up call to prioritise your wellbeing. Here are a few gentle, powerful ways to support your body through the shift:
-
Get moving – Regular exercise boosts mood, energy and helps manage weight
-
Prioritise sleep – Create a calming bedtime routine and aim for 7–9 hours per night
-
Eat to nourish – Focus on whole foods, protein, healthy fats and plenty of veggies
-
Manage stress – Deep breathing, mindfulness or simply carving out quiet time matters
-
Stay connected – Talk to other women going through the same thing—community is everything
A new way forward
Let’s change the way we talk about perimenopause in Canada. It’s not something to endure—it’s something to understand, embrace, and support. With the right tools, like Harmony Menopause, and a compassionate approach to your daily habits, you can move through this phase feeling more grounded, more informed, and more connected to your body than ever before.
Because this isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning of a whole new chapter. And Harmony is here to support you every step of the way.
By Susan Gianevsky,
Chief Health Ambassador, Martin & Pleasance
0 comments