Perimenopause can start quietly. A few missed periods, a couple of restless nights, or a mood that feels more up and down than usual. Many women walk into this phase not knowing what to expect. And since it’s still something most people don’t talk about openly, it can feel confusing trying to figure out what’s normal and what needs support. That’s where misunderstandings often get in the way. If the signs don’t match what you thought perimenopause was “supposed” to look like,