If you're in your 40s and suddenly finding that your period is more unpredictable than ever—welcome to perimenopause! This is a time of change, frustration, and let’s be honest—complete hormonal chaos. The cycles that once ran like clockwork may now feel like wild cards, and if you've found yourself wondering why your body suddenly feels foreign, you're not alone. Let’s dive into what exactly is happening and what you can expect during this phase of life.

Irregular Periods—The New Normal

One of the earliest and most common signs of perimenopause is irregular periods. That once-predictable cycle? It’s now acting out. You might go from having your period like clockwork every 28 days to bleeding every three weeks or not at all for a couple of months. You might even find yourself needing to take a pregnancy test—a completely normal but utterly terrifying experience when you’re not sure what’s causing your late period. This is all thanks to those hormone fluctuations—specifically estrogen and progesterone, which no longer follow a smooth, predictable pattern.

Here are some things to expect:

• Heavier or lighter bleeding: The amount of blood can change drastically. One month you might feel like you need to change your pad or tampon every hour, and the next, your period is so light you’re questioning if it even counts.
• Longer or shorter duration: Your period could last eight days or three. It’s the wild west for a while.
• Missed cycles: It’s normal to skip a period or two—or more—and then have it come back when you least expect it.
• Color changes: The color of your period blood can shift, appearing darker, brown, or even brighter red than you’re used to.
• Worsening PMS symptoms: You might notice more intense bloating, cramps, or mood swings before your period—or you might suddenly feel less affected by these symptoms. It’s all part of the hormonal rollercoaster.

And Then There's the Bloating, Breast Tenderness, and Acne…

But periods aren’t the only thing making a dramatic entrance during perimenopause. It’s the surprise appearance of symptoms you thought you’d left behind in your teenage years: acne, bloating, and breast tenderness. Hormonal fluctuations can have an annoying way of causing breakouts (because, why not?), and that familiar pre-period bloating may become more persistent.

Breast tenderness can feel like another cruel twist. Some women describe it as an almost pregnancy-like discomfort—a reminder that even though your body is transitioning out of its reproductive years, those hormones still have plenty of tricks up their sleeve.

Terrifying But Totally Normal: Pregnancy Tests

Speaking of pregnancy symptoms, let’s talk about the need to take a pregnancy test during perimenopause. Missing a period, experiencing sore breasts, fatigue, or nausea can feel suspiciously like early pregnancy, which can lead to those frantic trips to the drugstore. And while taking a pregnancy test in your 40s may feel surreal, it’s actually quite common.

Here’s the good news: a late or missing period is usually just your hormones doing their thing. But if you’re concerned or uncertain, it’s okay to ease your mind with a home pregnancy test. Even though the chances of pregnancy may be lower, it’s worth the peace of mind.

How to Manage It All

While there’s not much you can do to restore regularity to your periods, there are ways to manage the unpredictability—and keep your sanity intact.

• Stay prepared: Keep period products stashed in your purse, car, and desk for when Aunt Flo decides to make a surprise visit. Absorbent period underwear or wearing black undies can also save you from a wardrobe disaster.
• Track your cycle: Whether through an app or a journal, keeping track of your periods and symptoms can help you notice patterns over time. This can be especially useful when talking to your doctor.
• Focus on self-care: Sleep, nutrition, and stress management are key during this phase. Hormonal shifts can take a toll on your energy and mood, so find ways to rest, eat nutrient-rich foods, and engage in activities that help you relax.

Blame It on the Patriarchy (Because Why Not?)

Let’s be real for a second: If men went through what we do in perimenopause, there would have been a solution decades ago. Seriously, the unpredictability, discomfort, and emotional rollercoaster would’ve been solved faster than you can say “hormones.”

Instead, we’re left to navigate these changes without much guidance. Our thoughts often run the gamut of “Am I pregnant?!” “Is something wrong with me?” And then the looming fear—menopause!

For too long, these normal changes have carried shame and fear. We get to rewrite this narrative. We get to decide how we feel about these changes and what they mean for our lives. After all, we could be living in these bodies for another half of our lives—let’s get comfortable with them.

Embrace the Change—And Own It

Let’s toss aside the negativity. These changes aren’t something to fear—they’re an opportunity to get to know ourselves in new ways. We need to make perimenopause and menopause topics we learn about, talk about, and embrace as part of our journey.

At Not Young, we’re here to support you on that journey. That’s why we created The Baseline. It's designed to give you a solid foundation during perimenopause, naturally supporting hormonal balance without the need for synthetic hormones. We’ve carefully selected ingredients that help ease symptoms—like hot flashes, mood swings, and erratic periods—so you can feel more like yourself again.

Why fight the changes in your body when you can work with them? The Baseline helps you own this phase by harnessing the power of plant-based ingredients, giving you the support you need to thrive.

This isn’t just a supplement—it’s your ally in embracing perimenopause with confidence, strength, and, yes, a little bit of humor. You deserve that, and so much more.