women's health
∙3 minute read
Are you navigating through the changes of perimenopause? During this natural transition in your life, your body is starting to shift towards menopause. As you age, your ovaries gradually produce fewer hormones, resulting in various physical and emotional changes.
Knowing what to expect can help you to manage these changes more effectively.
It might feel intimidating to think there are up to 34 possible symptoms associated with perimenopause. Rest assured, it's unlikely that you'll experience all of them. Every woman's journey is unique, and most tend to encounter only a handful of symptoms, primarily due to fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone.¹
While there are many possible symptoms, some are more commonly experienced by women during this time.² Let's dive deeper into the five symptoms that are frequently reported:
Hot flushes are perhaps the most recognised symptom of perimenopause, and you might feel them as sudden waves of heat starting in your face or chest, often accompanied by redness and sweating. In some women, hot flushes can persist for several years.³
Are you finding it harder to get a restful night’s sleep? Hormonal changes can lead to night sweats and frequent awakenings.¹ A lack of quality sleep can exacerbate other symptoms like mood swings and fatigue, making it more challenging to manage day–to-day life.¹
Have you been feeling more irritable, anxious, or even depressed lately? These mood shifts are often connected to changes in hormone levels affecting your brain.¹ Factors such as stress and lifestyle choices can also contribute, adding complexity to these emotional changes.²
A decrease in estrogen might cause vaginal dryness and discomfort, impacting intimacy and your overall comfort.² It's important to note that vaginal dryness often doesn't resolve on its own, even after menopause, and might require treatment.³
You'll likely notice changes in your menstrual cycles as an early sign of perimenopause. Your periods might become irregular, varying in flow and timing, due to the ovaries reducing hormone production.¹
If you're experiencing these symptoms, remember that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. A combination of hormone treatments, lifestyle changes, and over-the-counter remedies can be effective. Consulting with your healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best options for your health.²
Perimenopause can range from a few years to over a decade, commonly starting in your mid to late 40s and lasting until menopause (defined as a full year without a period).¹
Perimenopause is a natural yet sometimes demanding phase. The more you understand and recognise its symptoms, the better equipped you'll be to seek effective treatments and support. There’s no need to deal with this transition in silence – solutions are available to help you feel your best.
Santoro, N. (2016). Perimenopause: From research to practice. Journal of Women's Health, 25(4), 332–339. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2015.5556
Duralde, E.R., Sobel, T.H., & Manson, J.E. (2023). Management of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. The BMJ, 382, e072612. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072612
McCarthy, M., & Raval, A.P. (2020). The peri-menopause in a woman's life: a systemic inflammatory phase that enables later neurodegenerative disease. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 17, 317. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-020-01998-9
Written by Joe Young
Digital Copywriter, BA English Literature
Medically reviewed by Hassan Thwaini
Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
