What are perimenopause and menopause?
From as early as late 30s, women can begin to experience signs of perimenopause and menopause. This time in a woman’s life marks the end of her menstrual cycle, often bringing with it changes in body and cognitive function, overall mood and lifestyle.
Perimenopause is the menopause transitional phase, occurring before menopause begins. It’s defined by a drop in oestrogen, and can last for a number of years before a woman enters menopause. The symptoms for both perimenopause and menopause are similar. During perimenopause and menopause, women may experience some or many symptoms. This is due to the impact oestrogen, progesterone can have on the heart, brain, bones, tissue, and blood vessels. No two women are alike, and every woman will experience perimenopause and menopause in her own unique way.
Common signs and symptoms include:
Nights sweats and hot flushes. These can leave you drenched and uncomfortable
Weight changes with increased distribution around the waistline
Joint pain and stiffness
Headaches and/or migraines
Skin changes such as crawling sensation, itchy or dry skin
Hair pattern changes including hair growth around the chin or scalp hair loss
Menstrual irregularity such as periods becoming heavier or lighter, shorter or longer, and those that last for several weeks or just a few days with no pattern
Sleep disturbance / insomnia, which can be caused by hormones, as well as secondary impacts such night sweat
Vaginal symptoms such as dryness, itching, discomfort, thrush, painful sexual intercourse.
Low libido due to low hormones, vaginal dryness, painful sex, and psychological aspects
Mood changes. This includes anxiety, low mood and anger
Cognitive changes such as reduced memory, forgetfulness, difficulty with focus, word-finding difficulty, lack of motivation and concentration and self-doubt
Urinary symptoms like passing urine frequently, urgency to go, recurrent urinary tract infections
PMS-like symptoms (1-2 weeks prior to period) – painful, swollen breasts, painful periods, mood changes, irritability, and fatigue.
It’s important you don’t suffer alone through this time. There are a number of treatments to suit you and what’s right for your health and lifestyle. For more information on the treatments available and how a menopause specialist can help click here.