Are you feeling different lately? Maybe your moods are fluctuating, your body shape is changing, or your menstrual cycle is becoming unpredictable.
If you’re approaching your forties or have just crossed that milestone, you might be entering perimenopause.
Perimenopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the transition towards menopause. It is the period when hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate and gradually decrease. This hormonal shift can bring about a variety of physical, emotional, and mental changes.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when the body’s reproductive hormones start to change.
During this phase, the ovaries produce fewer eggs, and fertility declines. This process can start as early as the mid-thirties but more commonly begins in the forties. It typically lasts for about seven years, but for some women it can be shorter or stretch out longer.
The transition to menopause is completed when oestrogen levels decrease to the point where the ovaries no longer release eggs and menstrual periods stop. A woman is considered to have reached menopause once she has gone a full year without a period.
After this, she is in post-menopause, and many of the symptoms experienced during perimenopause may ease, although some can persist.
20 signs you’re in perimenopause
Perimenopause can manifest in many different ways, and no two women experience it in exactly the same manner. Here are 20 common signs to look out for:
- Changes to your menstrual cycle – This could include variations in cycle length, flow, or intensity. Some women experience shorter cycles, while others notice longer gaps between periods.
- Changes to your sex drive – Libido can fluctuate due to hormonal changes.
- Mood changes or mood swings – Hormonal imbalances can lead to irritability, anxiety, or even depression.
- Hot flushes – These sudden waves of heat can start in perimenopause and vary in intensity and frequency.
- Weight gain, especially around the stomach – Hormonal changes can affect metabolism, leading to weight changes.
- Vaginal dryness – Reduced oestrogen levels can lead to decreased moisture and discomfort.
- Fatigue – Feeling more tired than usual, even after a full night’s sleep.
- Increased cholesterol (not diet-related) – Hormonal changes can impact cholesterol levels.
- Breast tenderness – This can occur due to fluctuating hormone levels.
- Headaches, especially frontal lobe headaches – Often linked to hormonal shifts.
- Brain fog – Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
- Changes in energy levels – Feeling unusually low or fluctuating energy.
- Hair loss – Thinning hair or increased shedding.
- Unexplained aching joints – Often related to decreasing oestrogen, which affects joint lubrication.
- Dizziness – Hormonal imbalances can sometimes cause light-headedness.
- Onset or increase in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Hormonal changes can influence gut health.
- Increased Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms – Including more intense cramps or bloating.
- Dry eyes and skin – Hormonal fluctuations can decrease moisture levels in the body.
- Heart palpitations – Feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats.
- Tingling in the hands and feet – Often linked to changes in the nervous system.
Wellbeing specialist Donna Groves.
What to do if you think you’re in perimenopause
If you suspect you’re experiencing perimenopause, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor.
Although perimenopause is typically diagnosed based on age and symptoms, blood tests can check for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, but as hormones fluctuate, they are an unreliable indicator. However, blood tests can help rule out other medical conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.
Treatment options and support for perimenopause
The good news is that there are numerous options to help manage perimenopausal symptoms. You don’t have to suffer in silence just because this is a natural part of life. Treatment options include:
- Natural remedies and plant-based treatments: Herbal supplements like Korean ginseng or red clover are popular among women seeking natural relief.
- Mindset and cognitive therapy: Techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy can help manage mood swings and anxiety.
- Nutritional support: A balanced diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and omega-3s can help alleviate symptoms. Increasing protein and dietary fibre intake can also assist.
- Medical support: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be an effective option for many women. However, it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Finding support and building community
Perimenopause is no longer a taboo subject. Many women find comfort in knowing they are not alone. There are numerous online support groups where women connect to share experiences and advice.
You might also consider seeking support from a coach, counsellor, or doctor specialising in women’s health.
Final thoughts
Navigating perimenopause can be challenging, but knowledge is power. Understanding what is happening in your body and seeking the right support can make this transition smoother.
Remember, every woman’s journey is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to experience perimenopause. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support.
