Posted on: July 6, 2026
If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and have been wondering why your body suddenly feels different, you’re not alone.
Many women notice changes in their menstrual cycle, sleep, mood, energy, or body temperature and assume it’s simply stress or part of getting older. In many cases, these changes may actually be the beginning of perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause and can begin anywhere from three to ten years before your periods stop completely. During this time, hormone levels—particularly estrogen and progesterone—can fluctuate significantly, which is why symptoms often feel unpredictable. You may notice irregular or heavier periods, hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, trouble sleeping, changes in libido, or weight gain. Every woman’s experience is different, which is why understanding your unique symptoms is so important.
One of the most common questions women ask is, “How do I know if I’m in perimenopause?” According to Dr. Lara Spector, Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, perimenopause is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on your symptoms and health history. While laboratory testing isn’t used to diagnose perimenopause on its own, it can provide valuable information and help rule out other conditions, such as thyroid imbalances or nutrient deficiencies, that can cause similar symptoms.
Dr. Lara Spector may recommend personalized hormone, thyroid, nutrient, or comprehensive hormone metabolite testing depending on your symptoms and health goals. More importantly, she believes your lived experience matters just as much as your lab results. By combining the right testing with nutrition, lifestyle support, and targeted supplements when appropriate, her goal is to help women feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout this stage of life.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Could this be perimenopause?” don’t ignore what your body is telling you. Working with a healthcare provider like Dr. Lara Spector can help you gain clarity, understand what’s happening hormonally, and create a personalized plan so you can feel your best throughout the transition.