Perimenopause is one of those life stages that most women have heard of, but few really understand until they’re in the middle of it. The symptoms can feel confusing, sometimes subtle, sometimes overwhelming, and the advice available isn’t always clear. That gap is what led Siobhan Fildes to create ashaya, a wellness brand rooted in Ayurveda and backed by modern science, designed to support women through hormonal shifts.

Here, Siobhan shares her perspective on what those first signs can look like, why some of the most disruptive symptoms often go unspoken, and how daily habits can transform the experience.

What are the first signs of perimenopause, and how can women tell them apart from normal hormonal changes or stress

Perimenopause often starts with subtle shifts – noticeable changes to your cycle, having trouble sleeping through the night, feeling more anxious or irritable than usual, or experiencing brain fog when you’ve always been sharp. Stress can mimic some of these symptoms, but the difference is that perimenopausal changes tend to become persistent. They’re not just a bad week—they keep showing up.

I always encourage women to tune into patterns, not just isolated moments. Keeping a journal of your sleep, mood, and cycle changes can make those shifts clearer, and it helps you advocate for yourself if you do seek support from a practitioner. 

Beyond hot flashes, what are the hidden or less obvious menopause symptoms that can quietly affect daily life?

Yes – hot flushes and night sweats steal the spotlight, but for many women, it’s the quieter or more unusual symptoms that feel most disruptive. Things like low libido, vaginal dryness, trouble concentrating, abdominal weight gain, bloating, digestive changes, or even itchy skin. These can affect relationships, work, and self-confidence in ways that aren’t often spoken about.

That’s exactly why I created ashaya. After speaking with countless women navigating the challenges of perimenopause, it became clear that symptoms were wide-ranging and women were craving full-spectrum support. Our Re-Glow supplement was designed to meet that need – supporting everything from sleep and mood to libido and energy – all in one simple daily ritual.

How long do PMS and perimenopause symptoms usually last, and what can help women manage them with less fear?

The truth is, perimenopause can last anywhere from 1 to 10 years, which sounds overwhelming when you first hear it. But that doesn’t mean you’ll feel terrible for a decade. Symptoms often ebb and flow, and with the right support – nutrition, exercise, stress management, and therapeutic supplementation – women can move through this stage with far more ease.

What helps reduce fear is knowing that you have options. Whether it’s through herbs like saffron, black cohosh, and ashwagandha in Re-Glow, or lifestyle practices that nourish your nervous system, the message is: you can feel better.

The good news is that menopause is finally having its moment. Thanks to more vocal advocates – like Naomi Watts and a wave of women speaking openly on social media – support is improving, and there’s now a wealth of education and resources available to help women navigate this life stage with greater confidence and clarity.

At what age do perimenopause symptoms usually start, and how much do genetics or lifestyle affect that timeline?

Every woman is unique and will commence perimenopause at a different age. On average, women start noticing symptoms in their early to mid-40s, but it can start as early as the mid-30s. Genetics do play a role – often, your mother’s experience can give clues to your own timeline. But lifestyle is just as powerful. Stress, poor sleep, alcohol, smoking, and nutrient deficiencies can accelerate the onset or make symptoms much more intense.

How does lifestyle affect perimenopause symptoms, and what role do diet, exercise, sleep, and stress play?

Lifestyle is huge. For example, alcohol impairs the liver’s ability to metabolise estrogen, often leading to elevated estrogen, which can worsen perimenopause symptoms such as hot flushes and sleep disturbances. Chronic stress ramps up cortisol, which directly impacts estrogen and progesterone balance. Poor sleep creates a vicious cycle, amplifying anxiety and fatigue. On the other hand, consistent movement – whether that’s strength training, yoga, or walking – helps regulate blood sugar and mood, both of which are key in perimenopause.

That’s why I believe in a truly holistic approach. Supporting your body daily through nourishing foods, movement, quality sleep, and stress-reducing rituals – like meditation, yoga, or simple breathwork – creates the foundation for hormonal balance. This philosophy is deeply rooted in Ayurveda, which teaches that health is the result of harmony between body, mind, and spirit, and that daily rhythms (dinacharya) are key to keeping that balance.

Sleep, in particular, is non-negotiable. Disrupted sleep impacts nearly every hormonal system – the metabolic hormones that regulate weight and energy, thyroid hormones that control metabolism, neurotransmitters that shape mood, and sex hormones that govern everything from cycles to libido. There’s a reason we spend a third of our lives asleep. It’s during deep rest that cortisol levels reset, appetite and hunger hormones recalibrate, and detoxification takes place. Just as our body has a lymphatic system to clear toxins, the brain has its own glymphatic system that switches on during sleep. Without it, we can’t detox properly – and no supplement, diet, or ‘cleanse’ can replace the healing power of restorative sleep.

Supplements can be powerful, but they work best when layered into a lifestyle that supports your body. That’s the philosophy we hold at ashaya: supplements plus rituals, not a quick fix.

Wellness can feel crowded these days. What makes ashaya stand apart from just another ‘natural supplement’ brand?

Ashaya was created to fill a very real gap I felt as both a woman and a mother. I couldn’t find a brand that felt truly natural yet premium, effective yet nurturing—one that combined the infinite wisdom of Ayurveda with the rigour of modern clinical research. After personally experiencing the profound benefits of Ayurvedic healing, I was inspired to create not just products, but a platform to share this wisdom with women everywhere.

From the very beginning, it was important to me that ashaya spoke to the full spectrum of women’s experiences. Whether it’s a teenager navigating irregular cycles, a woman in her 30s moving through the ups and downs of PMS, or the profound transition of perimenopause and menopause – ashaya is here to support every life stage, not just one chapter.

Equally important was ensuring our blends weren’t only inspired by tradition but also grounded in science. Every product is TGA-listed and made in Australia, with therapeutic doses of the purest, allergen-free, plant-based ingredients – no fillers, no synthetic hormones. We chose only the highest-quality standardised extracts proven to deliver results. For example, our formulations feature Affron® saffron extract, one of the most clinically studied for mood, sleep, and women’s health, and C3 Curcumin, a highly bioavailable turmeric extract shown to reduce inflammation, ease joint pain, and support both mood and brain health.

By marrying Ayurveda’s holistic wisdom with modern science, we’ve created products that women can feel good about taking – because they’re safe, natural, and designed to deliver real results. 

But ashaya is more than a supplement brand. We believe hormone health must be supported both from the inside out and the outside in. That’s why our range includes not only oral powders for PMS and perimenopause relief, but also skincare rituals tailored to these phases. The supplements deliver targeted nutrients and adaptogens internally, while the oils provide a nourishing, grounding ritual externally. Together, they form a holistic approach to hormonal balance and self-care.

What’s the biggest menopause myth you’d like to debunk, and what advice would you give every woman?

The myth I’d love to banish is that menopause marks the end of vitality, sexuality, or vibrancy. For many women it can be a deeply challenging phase, but it is not the end – it’s a transition. Yes, it comes with hurdles, but it also offers an opportunity to rediscover and reconnect with yourself in new, meaningful ways. 

My practical advice? Don’t wait until symptoms are unbearable to support your body. Whether it’s with daily rituals, nourishing foods, or supplements like Re-Glow, start early. The more proactive you are, the more balanced and empowered this transition can feel. 

Also, reach out for support – you don’t have to suffer in silence. For too long, women have been made to feel like these changes are something to just ‘get on with’ or endure alone. The reality is, there’s an incredible network of support available now – from healthcare professionals and naturopaths, to online communities and advocates who are speaking openly about their journeys. Even simple conversations with friends can break down the stigma and remind you that you’re not the only one going through this. 

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