Perimenopause is the hormonal transition that precedes menopause, typically beginning in a woman's early to mid-40s, though it can start as early as 35. It is marked by fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone, which affect virtually every system in the body — including sleep, metabolism, mood, cognition, and energy.
Over 60% of women report experiencing cognitive symptoms such as brain fog and memory lapses during perimenopause. Up to 85% experience at least one significant symptom, yet research shows the majority go undiagnosed for two or more years.
Common perimenopause symptoms include irregular periods, poor sleep, night sweats, hot flushes, weight gain around the midsection, anxiety, low mood, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and loss of libido. Symptoms vary significantly between women — which is why a personalised, symptom-led assessment is more useful than a single blood test.
VANTA's free perimenopause symptoms quiz is adapted from the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), a clinically validated tool used in research and clinical practice to assess the severity of perimenopause and menopause symptoms. It takes two minutes and gives you a clear picture of which systems are most affected — and what that means for your next step.