Perimenopause is a phase of life that women experience, but it's often surrounded by confusion or misunderstood as just a transition to menopause. When I suspected I may be perimenopausal, I found it hard to find information, it felt very confusing and when I went to see my GP they did not know and kept confusing it with menopause. I ended up having to explain what perimenopause is to my GP. So, what exactly is perimenopause, and what does it mean for your body and well-being?
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, typically occurring in women between their late 30s and mid-50s. It's a natural biological process when your body begins to produce less oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. While menopause officially starts when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months, perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
During this time, your hormones can fluctuate wildly, leading to a range of symptoms. It's important to know that perimenopause is unique to each woman; some may experience few symptoms, while others might feel them more intensely.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
Perimenopause can bring with it a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms, with many women experiencing a combination of different effects. While the severity and duration of these symptoms vary, there are around 34 common symptoms that are associated with perimenopause. Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter:
Changes periods: One of the earliest and most common signs of perimenopause, periods may become more unpredictable, shorter, or longer, heavier or lighter, and can skip months at a time.
Hot flushes: Sudden and intense feelings of heat that can last from a few seconds to several minutes, often leaving you feeling flushed and sweaty.
Night sweats: Similar to hot flashes but occurring during sleep, these can disrupt rest and cause discomfort.
Mood swings: Emotional highs and lows, with many women experiencing increased irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness.
Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness, often feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, often due to night sweats, needing to wee or anxiety.
Vaginal dryness: A decrease in oestrogen can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues, causing discomfort or pain during intercourse.
Loss of libido: Changes in hormone levels may lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Breast tenderness: Soreness or sensitivity in the breasts, often resembling the tenderness experienced before periods.
Weight gain: Many women experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, as metabolism slows down due to hormonal changes.
Bloating: Water retention and digestive changes can lead to feelings of bloating.
Hair thinning or loss: Hormonal shifts may cause your hair to thin or fall out more than usual.
Dry skin: A lack of oestrogen can reduce your skin’s elasticity and moisture, leading to dryness and even itchiness.
Increased facial hair: A drop in oestrogen relative to testosterone can result in more noticeable facial hair.
Headaches or migraines: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger headaches or exacerbate existing migraines.
Joint pain: Some women report aching or stiff joints, possibly due to declining oestrogen levels affecting cartilage and joint health.
Muscle tension: Feelings of tightness or discomfort in the muscles, sometimes associated with stress or hormonal changes.
Digestive issues: Hormonal changes can affect digestion, leading to symptoms like gas, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Memory lapses: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or "brain fog" are common cognitive symptoms.
Dizziness: Hormonal shifts can sometimes cause a sensation of light-headedness or vertigo.
Tingling sensations: Some women experience a pins-and-needles feeling, often in the hands or feet.
Heart palpitations: A racing or irregular heartbeat can be linked to hormonal changes, and though usually harmless, it can be unsettling.
Anxiety: Many women experience increased anxiety or feelings of nervousness, even if they’ve never dealt with anxiety before.
Depression: Hormonal changes can also lead to more severe mood disturbances, including depression.
Irritability: Sudden feelings of frustration or anger are common, often accompanied by mood swings.
Panic attacks: Some women experience sudden bouts of intense fear or panic, even without an obvious trigger.
Crawling skin: Also known as formication, this is a sensation that feels like insects are crawling on or under the skin.
Burning mouth syndrome: A condition where the mouth feels dry, sore, or has a burning sensation.
Gum problems: Some women experience more sensitive, swollen, or bleeding gums during perimenopause.
Changes in taste: Hormonal fluctuations can sometimes alter your sense of taste.
Allergies: Some women report new or worsened allergies during perimenopause, possibly due to immune system changes.
Body odour changes: Shifts in hormone levels can affect the way you sweat, leading to changes in body odour.
Electric shock sensations: Some women describe feeling a brief, sudden "electric shock" sensation, often just before a hot flash.
Osteoporosis: Over time, reduced oestrogen can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
These 34 symptoms vary widely in their impact on women’s daily lives. You might experience only a few or several of them at once, and they can come and go unpredictably. Recognising these signs can help you better understand your body and seek appropriate support as you navigate perimenopause.
What Can You Do About Perimenopause?
While perimenopause is a natural part of aging, it doesn't mean you have to endure the symptoms without relief. There are several ways to manage the changes your body is going through:
Healthy lifestyle choices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can make a significant difference in how you feel. Reducing stress through practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can also help balance your mood and improve sleep.
Hormone therapy: For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, this option isn't right for everyone, and it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Non-hormonal treatments: There are also non-hormonal options available, such as antidepressants for mood swings or medications for hot flashes. Over-the-counter moisturisers or lubricants can help with vaginal dryness.
When to Talk to a Doctor
It’s always a good idea to talk to your GP if your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are due to perimenopause or another health condition, a doctor can help diagnose and provide guidance. You can also download my free eBook, How to Talk to Your GP About Your Perimenopause Symptoms So They Will Take You Seriously, to help you prepare for your appointment. It contains template scripts and resources for you to research before your appointment.
Perimenopause is a transition period that every woman will eventually go through, but the experience can differ greatly from one person to the next. Understanding what perimenopause is and how it affects your body is the first step in managing this phase of life. With the right information and support, you can navigate perimenopause with confidence.
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