Still having periods? That does not rule out perimenopause.
One of the first changes can be a cycle that becomes less predictable. Your periods may come more or less often and may become heavier or lighter. The awkward part is that not every change is caused by perimenopause, so the pattern matters.
If you are under 45 and think perimenopause symptoms may be starting, speak to your GP. The NHS says a GP may sometimes do blood tests. Bleeding between periods or after sex should also be checked. If you have gone 12 months without a period and are not using hormonal contraception, any vaginal bleeding needs a GP review, even if it happens only once.
This post gives general information. It cannot tell you what is causing an individual change in bleeding.
Save this if you want to note the pattern before speaking to your GP.
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Sources checked 18 August 2026:
– NHS, Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/symptoms/
– NHS, Early or premature menopause: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-or-premature-menopause/
– NHS, Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-bleeding-between-periods-or-after-sex/
– NHS, Postmenopausal bleeding: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/post-menopausal-bleeding/
– NICE guideline NG23: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations