In your 40s, your period is more than a monthly occurrence, it’s a reflection of what’s happening hormonally behind the scenes. Changes in flow, cycle length, PMS symptoms or how you feel during your period can tell you a lot about where you are in the menopause transition.

Many women expect perimenopause to begin when their menstrual cycles become irregular, but the truth is, the transition often starts earlier, and can bring symptoms long before your period changes.