This page contains self-reported experiences — not clinical trial data. Every woman's hormonal health journey is different. Discuss any changes to your treatment plan with a qualified healthcare provider.
Perimenopause
What women tried during perimenopause — and what they reported happening.
Experiences Shared
231
Women who logged approaches for perimenopause
Approaches Logged
27
Distinct approaches women reported trying
Most Reported
Magnesium Glycinate
Most frequently logged approach for this goal
What women are saying about perimenopause
i have been practicing yoga for about a year and I honestly think this helps with a calmer mood, if I have not been to a class for a couple of weeks I really do notice a shift in mood, I would definitely recommend yoga practice for a inner calm
”— misty_freesia
Yoga · Perimenopause
I put off HRT for over a year because I was terrified of the risks. Finally went to a menopause clinic after the night sweats got so bad I was changing sheets at 3am. Started on Estrogel and Utrogestan — the first month was underwhelming honestly, just some breast tenderness. But by month two the hot flashes had halved and by month three I was sleeping through the night for the first time in two years. The Utrogestan makes me drowsy so I take it at bedtime which actually helps with sleep. I wish I hadn't waited so long.
”— autumn_wisteria38, 49-52
Estrogel · Perimenopause
I tried Clonidine for mood swings and rage episodes but the results were mixed. I felt a bit more like myself, but the side effects made it hard to continue. Not a miracle but not nothing either.
”— DancingFinch, 45-49
Clonidine · Perimenopause
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s, though it can start earlier. It marks the transition toward menopause and is characterised by fluctuating hormone levels that can produce a wide range of symptoms. On Narrated, women share what they tried during this phase and what happened.
Common experiences logged by women in perimenopause include irregular cycles, hot flashes (hot flushes), sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, and shifts in weight or metabolism. These symptoms vary widely from woman to woman and can last several years.
Women on Narrated have logged their experiences with HRT, supplements like magnesium and black cohosh, and lifestyle approaches including exercise protocols and dietary changes. Each log includes dosing details, duration, self-reported outcome scores, and side effects.
This data reflects what real women reported — it is not clinical research and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Discuss any changes to your health plan with a qualified healthcare provider.
What Women Tried
Types of approaches logged for perimenopause. Many logs include multiple approaches.
Established approaches for perimenopause
Clinical guidelines reference several approaches for this goal:
- 1.HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to manage symptoms
- 2.Regular exercise — both aerobic and strength training
- 3.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for mood and sleep symptoms
Below are community-reported experiences with approaches for this same goal.
NICE — Menopause: diagnosis and managementMost Reported Approaches
Ranked by number of community reports. Frequency does not imply effectiveness.
| Approach | Reports |
|---|---|
| Magnesium Glycinate | 10 |
| Estradiol Gel | 8 |
| TENS Machine | 7 |
| Vitamin D3 | 6 |
| Strength Training | 5 |
| Licorice Root | 5 |
| Fezolinetant | 5 |
| Dydrogesterone | 5 |
| Lion's Mane Mushroom | 5 |
| CoQ10 | 5 |
Ranked by number of community reports. Visit each approach page for detailed outcome data.
Community Experiences(100)
Show reports containing
Tried
i have been practicing yoga for about a year and I honestly think this helps with a calmer mood, if I have not been to a class for a couple of weeks I really do notice a shift in mood, I would definitely recommend yoga practice for a inner calm
For
Perimenopause
Noticed
Outcome 3/10 at 12 wk
Would continue yes
1 side effect noted
About
Age not shared
52 weeks logged
Tried
I put off HRT for over a year because I was terrified of the risks. Finally went to a menopause clinic after the night sweats got so bad I was changing sheets at 3am. Started on Estrogel and Utrogestan — the first month was underwhelming honestly, just some breast tenderness. But by month two the hot flashes had halved and by month three I was sleeping through the night for the first time in two years. The Utrogestan makes me drowsy so I take it at bedtime which actually helps with sleep. I wish I hadn't waited so long.
For
Perimenopause
Noticed
Outcome 8/10 at 12 wk
Would continue yes
2 side effects noted
About
Age range 49-52
16 weeks logged
Tried
I tried Clonidine for mood swings and rage episodes but the results were mixed. I felt a bit more like myself, but the side effects made it hard to continue. Not a miracle but not nothing either.
For
Perimenopause
Noticed
Outcome 3/10 at 12 wk
Would continue maybe
About
Age range 45-49
12 weeks logged
Tried this too? Your experience helps other women understand what real people reported.
Share yoursTried
I gave Clonidine a fair trial for my brain fog and fatigue. Some improvement in sleep got better but the hot flashes continued persisted. Not sure if I'll continue long-term.
For
Perimenopause
Noticed
Outcome 7/10 at 12 wk
Would continue maybe
2 side effects noted
About
Age range 55-59
12 weeks logged
Tried
I really wanted Clonidine to help with my mood swings and rage episodes but after 10 weeks I saw no meaningful improvement. I saw no real change. Disappointing but at least I know now.
For
Perimenopause
Noticed
Outcome 2/10 at 8 wk
Would continue no
2 side effects noted
About
Age range 60-64
12 weeks logged
Women Like Me
See perimenopause experiences from women in your age group and menopause stage. Find out what worked for someone like you.
Unlock with Narrated+$2.49/moWhat Women Report Trying
Common approach categories reported by women for perimenopause, linking to detailed pages.
HRT / Hormonal
Oestrogen (estrogen) patches, progesterone, testosterone, and various delivery methods reported by women in perimenopause.
Supplements
Vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds women report trying for perimenopause symptoms.
Lifestyle
Exercise, dietary changes, stress management, and other non-pharmaceutical approaches women have logged.
Approach categories reflect self-reported community data. Narrated does not recommend, rank, or advise the use of any approach.
Frequently Asked
What age does perimenopause start?
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s, though it can start in the mid-30s for some women. On Narrated, women have logged perimenopause experiences across a range of ages. The transition period can last anywhere from a few years to over a decade before menopause.
What are the first signs of perimenopause?
Based on self-reported experiences on Narrated, the most commonly reported early signs include menstrual irregularity, sleep disruption, mood changes, and brain fog. Every woman's experience is different — some report dramatic symptom onset while others describe a gradual shift.
What do women try for perimenopause symptoms?
Women on Narrated have logged experiences with HRT (oestrogen/estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), supplements (magnesium, black cohosh, ashwagandha), and lifestyle changes (strength training, dietary shifts). These are self-reported experiences, not recommendations.
Is perimenopause the same as menopause?
No. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause, characterised by fluctuating hormone levels. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. Women on Narrated log experiences for both phases separately, as the symptom profiles and approaches often differ.
How long does perimenopause last?
The duration varies widely. Medical literature describes a range of 2 to 10+ years. On Narrated, women have logged experiences spanning different phases of this transition. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
Related Health Goals
Women exploring perimenopause also browse these categories.
Menopause
Experiences from women navigating menopause — approaches, outcomes, and real stories.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
What real women tried for hot flashes (hot flushes) and night sweats — and how it went.
Sleep
What women tried to improve sleep during hormonal changes — and what they noticed.
Mood, Anxiety & Hormones
How women addressed anxiety, mood changes, and emotional shifts tied to hormonal transitions.
Brain Fog
Approaches women tried for brain fog and cognitive changes during hormonal shifts.
Your Experience Matters
Every experience you share helps another woman feel less alone — and more informed.
Log My ExperienceData last updated: April 4, 2026