Perimenopause: How to recognise the symptoms and when to seek treatment

Bethany ReitsmaSenior Lifestyle Writer·NZ Herald·19 Jul, 2026 11:15 PM7 mins to read‌Symptoms affect everyone differently, so how can you tell whether you’re in perimenopause, and when should you seek help? Symptoms affect everyone differently, so how can you tell whether you’re in perimenopause, and when should you seek help? The lead-up to menopause can be confusing, fraught with various symptoms, and leave many women struggling to cope. In fact, a lot of women don’t realise this phase can last for years. Menopause is classed as the one-year mark after a woman’s final menstrual period. Perimenopause is the