Is It Perimenopause or Menopause – or Something Else?

By: Red Hot Mamas

Published: August 16, 2026

Written by Karen Giblin

“Women’s health needs to be front and center – it often isn’t, but it needs to be.”

Cynthia Nixon

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

Is It Perimenopause or Menopause – or Something Else?

Menopause can be a master of disguise. Menopause can explain a lot—but not everything.

One month, you are waking up drenched in sweat. Next, you are forgetting why you walked into a room, feeling achy in places that never used to hurt, or wondering why a single glass of wine now disrupts your whole night.

It is tempting to blame every new change on “the change.” And yes—perimenopause and menopause can affect far more than periods and hot flashes. Sleep, mood, body composition, joint comfort, concentration, sexual health, and energy can all shift during midlife.

But here is an important Red Hot Mamas reminder: Menopause may be part of the picture, but it should not become a catch-all explanation for every symptom (we discuss many midlife symptoms here).

So, it is important to listen to your body.

A new symptom does not automatically mean something serious is wrong. But it does deserve your attention, especially when it is persistent, worsening, interfering with daily life, or simply does not feel like you. Yes, menopause may play a role but consider any of the items listed below to discuss with your clinician…

For example:

It is important to make a medical appointment to discuss the possible causes of a new symptom of concern especially if these symptoms become persistent, worsening, and are affecting your work or daily life.

If you do not have a Healthcare Practitioner, here is advice on how to choose one or you can find a Menopause Practitioner using this tool.

The goal is not to frighten yourself with every symptom. The goal is to become a more informed observer of your own health.

A useful question to ask, instead of asking: “Is this menopause?” try asking: “Could menopause be contributing to this and what else should we rule out?”

That question opens the door to a more complete conversation with your clinician. It also helps prevent women from being dismissed, or from dismissing themselves.

Research and clinical discussions of midlife health increasingly recognize that changes such as disrupted sleep, new snoring, brain fog, aches, energy changes, and greater alcohol sensitivity may occur during this life stage but they should be considered in the context of a woman’s overall health.

Before your next appointment

Write down:

• When the symptom began
• How often does it occur: daily? Weekly? At what time of the day or night?
• What makes it better or worse?
• How it affects sleep, work, relationships, exercise, or mood
• Any menstrual or bleeding changes

List your

Current medications, supplements, and recent health changes (bring the list with you)!

Draft your top one or two questions

You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis. You only need to arrive prepared to describe what has changed.

The bottom line

Menopause deserves thoughtful care – not assumptions.

Your hot flashes, sleep disruption, brain fog, aches, mood changes, and urinary or sexual-health symptoms are real.

But you also deserve a clinician who considers the whole picture, listens carefully, and works with you to create a plan that fits your life.

Never let “it’s probably menopause” end the conversation when your body is telling you there may be more to explore.

Good Health to You All,

Karen Giblin