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What Every Woman Should Know About Perimenopause
Let’s Talk About Perimenopause (Before It Sneaks Up on You) Perimenopause isn’t something we learn about in school. It’s not usually dinner party conversation. And for most women, it doesn’t come with a heads-up. One day your cycle’s doing its usual thing, and the next, things feel... off. At femme, we believe knowledge is power – especially when it comes to your hormones. So here’s your no-nonsense guide to what actually happens during perimenopause, when it starts, and how to support your body (and mind) through the transition. First Things First: What Is Perimenopause? Perimenopause is the phase before menopause, when your hormones (mainly oestrogen and progesterone) start to fluctuate. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to over 10 years. Yep, really. It usually starts in your 40s, but for some women, changes begin in their mid-30s. Key point: You’re not in menopause until you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Until then, you’re in the perimenopausal phase – and that’s where a lot of the real shifts happen. Common Signs of Perimenopause (That Often Go Unnoticed) Every woman’s experience is different, but some of the most common symptoms include: Irregular periods (longer, shorter, heavier, or skipped) Mood changes (hello, PMS 2.0) Sleep disturbances Brain fog or forgetfulness Hot flushes or night sweats Vaginal dryness or changes in libido Increased anxiety or low mood Fatigue that hits harder than usual These symptoms are caused by fluctuating hormone levels – not because your body is “failing” or “breaking down.” When Does Perimenopause Start? There’s no universal start date, but research shows that hormonal changes can begin up to 10 years before menopause. That means some women start noticing subtle shifts in their late 30s, though the average age is early-to-mid 40s. Important: You don’t need to wait for your periods to stop before seeking support. If things feel different, it’s worth talking to your GP, especially if symptoms are affecting your quality of life. How to Support Your Body Through Perimenopause There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are evidence-based ways to navigate this chapter with more ease and less stress. 1. Track Your Cycle and Symptoms Understanding your baseline helps you notice changes earlier. Apps, journals, or wearable devices (like Tempdrop) can help track patterns in sleep, mood, cycle length, and more. 2. Prioritise Sleep and Stress Management Easier said than done, we know. But sleep and stress are both closely linked to hormone regulation. Small changes like cutting back on caffeine, creating a wind-down routine, or trying mindfulness can make a real difference. 3. Nourish Yourself Properly Blood sugar stability, healthy fats, protein, and fibre are your hormone allies. You don’t need to overhaul your diet overnight – just start paying attention to what gives you energy (and what drains it). 4. Consider Supplements (If Needed) Vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3s, and B vitamins are commonly recommended during perimenopause. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting anything new – your body, your rules. 5. Get Clued Up on HRT and Other Options Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one option – and for many women, it can be life-changing. It’s not the only route, but it’s worth understanding so you can make informed decisions when the time comes. The Takeaway: Perimenopause Isn’t the End of Anything – It’s Just a New Chapter Perimenopause doesn’t mean you’re “getting old.” It doesn’t mean you’re broken. And it definitely doesn’t mean you just have to “put up with it.” This is a time to get curious about your health, not scared of it. The more you know, the more empowered you are to advocate for yourself – whether that’s at your GP’s office, in your relationships, or just with your own body. At femme, we’re here to make sure you’re not caught off guard. No drama. No doom. Just the facts, support, and tools you need to feel informed and in control.
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Reserve & Renew: The Fertility Support Bundle I Wish I Had at the Start of My Journey
In this heartfelt piece, Sarah, co-founder of femme, shares her personal fertility journey and the challenges she faced navigating it alone. She introduces the Reserve & Renew Bundle, a thoughtfully curated collection of fertility-supporting products she wishes she'd had at the start - designed to empower women with insights into egg health, ovarian reserve, and ovulation tracking. With products like the proov Reserve Test, OVUM supplements, and Tempdrop™, the bundle offers essential tools to help others feel informed, supported, and less alone in their journey.
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Understanding Pre-Eclampsia: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy comes with plenty of questions, and sometimes a few worries too. One condition you might hear mentioned during antenatal appointments is pre-eclampsia. It sounds serious — and it can be — but with the right information and good care, it’s manageable. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Pre-Eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks. It’s linked to problems with the placenta — the organ that supplies your baby with nutrients and oxygen. The main signs are high blood pressure and protein in your urine, though other symptoms can also occur. Pre-eclampsia affects around 6% of pregnancies in the UK and ranges from mild to severe. Most women will have mild cases, and with regular monitoring, both mum and baby do well. In more serious cases, pre-eclampsia can pose risks to your health and your baby’s development, so early detection and care are really important. What Should You Look Out For? Pre-eclampsia doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages — which is why routine blood pressure and urine checks at antenatal appointments are so important. But there are signs to be aware of. Let your midwife or GP know if you experience any of the following: Persistent headaches that don’t go away with paracetamol Blurred vision or seeing flashing lights Swelling, especially in your face, hands or around your eyes (a bit of swelling is normal in pregnancy, but sudden or severe swelling should be checked) Pain just below the ribs, particularly on the right side Sudden weight gain (caused by fluid retention) Feeling generally unwell, or more tired than usual Remember — you’re never wasting anyone’s time by raising concerns. What Can You Expect From Your Midwife or GP? In the UK, you should have regular checks during pregnancy to monitor for pre-eclampsia. This includes: Blood pressure checks at every appointment Urine tests to look for protein Blood tests if there are concerns If pre-eclampsia is suspected, you’ll likely be referred for further assessment at hospital. This doesn’t necessarily mean an emergency — it’s just about monitoring things more closely. Depending on the severity, you might need: More frequent appointments or scans Medication to lower your blood pressure Admission to hospital for monitoring in more serious cases Early delivery if your health or your baby’s health is at risk Most women with pre-eclampsia go on to deliver healthy babies, often with a bit of extra support and planning. What Causes It? The exact cause of pre-eclampsia isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to relate to how the placenta develops. Some factors that increase your risk include: First pregnancy Family history of pre-eclampsia Having high blood pressure or kidney problems before pregnancy Being over 40 Having a BMI of over 35 Carrying twins or more If you’re at higher risk, your midwife might recommend taking low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy to help reduce your chances of developing the condition. A Final Reassurance Pre-eclampsia can sound daunting, but the key message is this: you’re not expected to spot or manage it alone. That’s why regular antenatal care is so important — your midwife is there to check for signs and act early if anything seems off. Trust your instincts, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. You deserve to be listened to and supported — and the earlier a concern is picked up, the better the outcome for you and your baby. References NHS. Pre-eclampsia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia Tommy’s. What is pre-eclampsia? Available at: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/pre-eclampsia NICE. Hypertension in pregnancy: diagnosis and management (NG133). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng133
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