Rules still present, but sleep that is fragmented, morale that is failing, concentration that is becoming difficult to maintain. It is often in this vague zone that perimenopause confuses us. The BBC report from October 3, 2026 brings this question to the forefront through the story of Sally Williams, originally from the Wychavon area.
A former finance employee and mother of a teenager, she recounts three years of psychological deterioration, with almost eleven months of hospitalization in eight admissions, the loss of her job and the estrangement of her son, who went to live with his father. According to his account, a diagnosis of depression was first mentioned. She says she then made the connection herself with perimenopause, then noticed a significant improvement after hormonal treatment. Her story is extreme, but it brings home a useful point: perimenopausal symptoms may begin before periods stop permanently.
Can you be in perimenopause and still have your period?
Yes. Perimenopause corresponds to the transition period preceding menopause. It occurs when periods become irregular, while menopause corresponds to the cessation of periods, defined as twelve months without periods excluding hormonal contraception.
In other words, still having your period does not rule out perimenopause. Cycles can change rhythm, become more unpredictable, and be accompanied by symptoms that already weigh on daily life. This is precisely what Sally Williams’ testimony makes visible: it is not necessary to wait for periods to completely stop to talk about problems experienced on a daily basis.
To better understand this transition period, you can consult our file on perimenopause, its age of onset and its symptoms.
Sleep, morale, concentration: what signs can accompany this period?
The manifestations vary greatly from one woman to another. Some women have few or no symptoms, while others may be significantly hampered in their daily life, at work or in their family life.
The most common signs are hot flashes and night sweats. But perimenopause can also be accompanied by trouble sleeping, irritability, stress, anxiety, mood swings, low mood or depression. Problems with memory or concentration may also occur.
This point, however, requires nuance. The case of Sally Williams remains an individual testimony. His history does not allow us to attribute all the depressions to hormones.nor to conclude that hormonal treatment would be an answer to all psychological suffering. Rather, it shows the benefit of not dismissing perimenopause too quickly when periods change and other symptoms appear.
Changes in rules are among the possible signs of this period. Our article on period length in premenopause can help spot what’s changing in the cycle.
What to tell your doctor when these symptoms take up too much space?
The most useful thing is often to come to the consultation with concrete elements. When did the troubles start? Do they come back in periods? Do they have an impact on sleep, work, family life, memory, attention or morale? These details help move away from a vague impression and better describe what is happening.
It is also important to talk about periods: cycles that have become irregular, different bleeding, periods without periods then starting again. This information allows us to place the symptoms in their context, without too quickly concluding one way or the other.
Depending on the situation, the doctor will be able to assess symptoms, take history into account and discuss possible options.
Hormonal treatment may be considered in certain situationsbut it is not suitable for all women and is decided on a case-by-case basis.
What this testimony changes above all is the way of approaching the complaint. When sleep, morale or concentration deteriorate at the same time as the cycle becomes less regular, the question deserves to be asked clearly in consultation, even if the periods have not yet stopped.