15 Signs of Perimenopause - and What to Expect

3. Hot flashes and night sweats

The reason women in perimenopause experience hot flashes is unknown, though many experts suspect the drop in estrogen disrupts the body's internal thermostat. This causes the brain to misread bodily signals and initiate a cool-down mode when it is not necessary. Hot flashes can cause the skin to literally heat up, and may also lead to sweating. The latter helps cool the body back to its proper temperature. Approximately 75% to 80% of women in perimenopause experience hot flashes. While they are uncomfortable, they usually only last for up to ten minutes at a time. For some women, hot flashes only come in the form of night sweats, which can disrupt sleep.