Winter Slump… or Could It Be the Perimenopause?
Here we are, hopefully at the tail end of Winter, and it’s quite normal to feel a bit frazzled. Lack of sunlight and constant rain can really zap energy levels, and leave you feeling flat and a bit fuzzy headed. But if you’re a woman in your late 30s, 40s, or early 50s, it’s worth considering another possible cause that might be flying under the radar: perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate — sometimes years before periods stop altogether. And while hot flushes and night sweats get all the attention, many of the earliest and most common symptoms are more subtle, and creeping up day by day - the analogy of the frog being slowly heated in water springs to mind…
So how do you know whether you’re just in a winter slump… or whether your hormones might be trying to tell you something?
The Lesser-Known Signs of Perimenopause
Many women are surprised by what can be linked to perimenopause. You might still be having regular periods and feel “too young” for it — but symptoms can start earlier than most people expect.
Here are some commonly overlooked signs:
1. Low mood or sudden anxiety
Feeling unusually emotional, tearful, irritable, or anxious, especially if it feels out of character, can be an early hormonal sign. These changes are often mistaken for stress, seasonal affective disorder, or “just life”.
2. Brain fog and poor concentration
Struggling to focus, forgetting words, or feeling mentally slower than usual? Many women describe this as feeling “foggy” or not quite themselves.
3. Exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix
This isn’t just feeling tired after a busy week. It’s a deep, persistent fatigue that can linger even after a good night’s sleep.
4. Sleep problems
Waking in the early hours, restless sleep, or suddenly finding it harder to fall asleep can all be linked to hormonal fluctuations, even without night sweats.
5. Changes in weight or body shape
Putting weight on around the middle, despite no major lifestyle changes, is a common and frustrating experience during perimenopause.
6. Joint aches and muscle stiffness
Achy knees, hips, or shoulders can crop up unexpectedly and are often not connected to exercise or injury.
7. Increased sensitivity to stress
If things that never used to bother you suddenly feel overwhelming, hormones may be playing a role.
8. Dry eyes
It’s not just vaginal dryness that is caused by the hormonal changes leading up to the menopause; your eyes can get dry too. When added to sleep deprivation, it’s know wondered that you end up feeling like your’e combat crawling through your day!
Why Winter Can Make It Feel Worse
Winter can amplify perimenopausal symptoms. Less daylight, disrupted routines, poorer sleep, and reduced activity levels can all magnify fatigue, low mood, and brain fog — making it harder to work out what’s really going on.
That’s why so many women dismiss their symptoms as “just winter” and push through, often for years.
You Don’t Have to Just Put Up With It
Perimenopause isn’t something you have to endure in silence take on the chin, and it’s not “all in your head”. With the right medical support, symptoms can often be significantly improved.
At Winchester GP, we take women’s health very seriously - and our experienced GP team can help you
Understand whether your symptoms may be linked to perimenopause
Explore treatment options tailored to you, including lifestyle advice and medical support
Get clear, unhurried consultations without feeling rushed or dismissed
Whether you’re looking for reassurance, clarity, or a personalised treatment plan, having a proper conversation with a GP who understands perimenopause can make all the difference.
Winter Slump or Hormones? Let’s Find Out
If you’ve been telling yourself “it’s probably just the time of year” but haven’t considered that it could actually be a ‘time of life’ issue head on over to our menopause support page here. We even have a fun, but eerily telling questionnaire that might help you see some of your symptoms in a whole new light.