Life changes when you’re in between 45-55 years old. For women, this could mean the onset of menopause — or perimenopause — isn’t too far away.

It’s around this time that many women notice changes in their menstrual cycle. Sometimes it’s not as regular as it used to be or the flow’s intensity has changed. These changes are normal, but sometimes it’s difficult to tell if it’s caused by perimenopause or stress.

Both perimenopause and stress have some similar symptoms, like:

• Anxiety
• Disrupted sleep
• Hot flashes
• Irregular periods
• Moodiness
• Palpitations
• Sleep issues

So how do you know what you’re going through? We’ll walk you through the tell-tale signs.

Is it stress?

When women start to experience perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, often several other significant life changes are occurring, such as:

• Children have moved out.
• Financial stress.
• Work fatigue.
• Many other everyday stressors.

Life can be thrown out of whack, and when that happens, the body starts to produce the stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can affect sleep patterns, overall mood and even your period.

In women, cortisol affects the production of:

• Estrogen — Responsible for the thickening of uterine lining.
• Progesterone — Controls when the lining is released.

When these are out of balance, your period can emulate the beginning of perimenopause. Periods can become irregular, more/less intense or skipped altogether.

But what if you’re not stressed? Then it may be time to ask yourself or an OB/Gyn the question:

Is it perimenopause?

Around age 45 to 55, you may notice your menstrual periods aren’t as regular they used to be. That’s because your ovaries are slowly making less estrogen. Your sex drive may be lower, and you may have mood swings. Other common symptoms involve a sudden sensation of overheating, bloating and sore breasts.

This is perimenopause and is one of the three phases of menopausal transition:

1. Perimenopause
2. Menopause
3. Postmenopause

The strongest indicator you may be experiencing perimenopause is with the change in your period. If you’ve had a long-lasting change of seven or more days in your cycle, you may be in early perimenopause. If there has been a window of 60 days or more between periods, you may be in late perimenopause.

When is it time to speak to a doctor?

If you’re asking yourself these questions, the best time to speak a doctor is now. Your primary care doctor or gynecologist can help you understand what you’re going through and answer the questions you have. Remember, life is busy, but you’re worth it.