We know that all of us experience some changes around that time of the month. While many focus on moods or strange food cravings, sleep can also be affected.

If you notice that a pattern occurs where you are not getting a good night's rest before your period, it could be perimenopause. This is the transition into menopause that begins a few years before the onset of menopause itself. Normally perimenopause begins when women are in their 40s, when the body begins to decrease its estrogen production, but it can occur earlier as well. Perimenopause continues until menopause, and normally this period is around 4 years, but can be much shorter or longer.

Other symptoms to look out for if you are noticing these sleep changes to confirm the potential of perimenopause are hot flashes, lower sex drive, fatigue, breast tenderness, heightened PMS, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.