By age 35, to be better prepared for the changes that come with hormonal changes associated with perimenopause, you should know:

1. Know what’s coming

At some point in the next 5-10 years, your body will make the shift from being reproductive to being non-reproductive. Shortening menstrual cycles, (i.e., periods coming closer together) can be a first sign that hormonal shifts have begun. If you aren’t using hormonal contraceptives, you can track your periods to determine the length of your cycles and verify this change for yourself. You may also notice changes to your menstrual flow (heavier or lighter) and changes to the number of days in each period (more or fewer days).

2. Unique to you!

Each person has a unique path to their final menstrual period. For some of us, periods just stop. But for most of us, we notice changes (aka symptoms) along the way. These changes are the result of hormonal fluctuations and can begin as early as your late 30s/early 40s before noticeable menstrual irregularity.

3. A Wide Range of Changes (aka Symptoms)

The range of symptoms that can arise on the path to menopause is broad. Symptoms can include much more than night sweats and hot flashes. Mood changes, sleep changes, vaginal and urinary changes, sore breasts, more headaches and even changes to the pelvic floor are all common. See all the symptoms that were reported by women before an after noticeable menstrual cycle changes.

4. Menopause = Final Menstrual Period = FMP

Menopause is your final menstrual period. You don’t know a period is your final one until you’ve gone 12 months without another one. It’s kind of a funky definition! Most people reach menopause between 45 and 55. The average age in the US is 51.2 and globally it’s 48.8.

5. It’s Normal, You are not Ill.

Keep in mind perimenopause is a normal transition and not a disease. While normal, the symptoms that arise can be disruptive. If you experience mild symptoms, making some lifestyle changes related to sleep, what you eat and drink and what type of movement you do can have an impact on symptoms and beneficial habits for your future health.

6. Don’t Suffer.

If symptoms interfere with your sleep, relationships or ability to do your daily activities, seek healthcare. There are many remedies, hormonal and non-hormonal that can make a big difference.

7. Positives!? An Opportunity.

Keep in mind most people who suffer from hormonal ups and downs, feel better after menopause. It’s hard to disentangle reproductive aging from chronological aging because they happen in parallel. But this reproductive transition that occurs on average in our 40s, can be viewed as a reminder that we are beginning the second half of our lives. It offers an opportunity to take stock and consider new habits that can make us healthier and more content in the coming years.