What is Perimenopause?
If you find yourself wondering: “Could I be in perimenopause? , you are not alone.
Perimenopause means “around menopause” and refers to the time when your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of your reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition.
Perimenopause can start as early as your mid-30s or as late as your 40s. It can last for a few months or several years.
During this time, your estrogen levels rise and fall unevenly, causing changes in your menstrual cycles, fertility, and other aspects of your health.
Are Perimenopause and Menopause the same?
Many people use the two terms interchangeably but they do mean different things.
The term ‘Menopause’ defines the exact time when it has been 12 months since your last period. Anything before is perimenopause and after is postmenopause.
Dr. Louise Newson, a well-known UK Menopause expert describes the difference between perimenopause and menopause in a short but insightful video.
Common symptoms of perimenopause can include:
- Irregular periods. Your periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, or more or less frequent. You may also skip some periods or have spotting between periods.
- Hot flashes and night sweats. These are sudden feelings of heat that spread over your face and body, often accompanied by sweating and flushing. They can happen at any time of the day or night and last for a few seconds to several minutes.
- Sleep problems. You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or you may wake up too early. This can be due to hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, or other factors.
- Mood changes. You may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression during perimenopause. This can be related to hormonal fluctuations, sleep problems, stress, or other issues.
- Vaginal and bladder problems. Your vaginal tissues may become thinner, drier, and less elastic due to lower estrogen levels. This can make sex painful and increase your risk of vaginal infections. You may also have more urinary tract infections or urinary incontinence (leaking urine) due to loss of tissue tone.
- Decreased sexual desire. You may lose interest in sex or have difficulty getting aroused or reaching orgasm during perimenopause. This can be caused by hormonal changes, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, stress, fatigue, or relationship problems.
This list is not extensive. You can find more information on perimenopause symptoms on the Menopause Charity’s website and many other credible sources.
Why it is important to track your perimenopause symptoms
Tracking your perimenopause symptoms can help you understand what is happening to you and how to cope with it better. Here are some reasons why you should track your perimenopause symptoms:
- You can identify patterns and triggers.
By keeping a record of your symptoms, you can notice if there are any factors that make them worse or better, such as stress, diet, exercise, or medication. This can help you avoid or manage the triggers and find relief for your symptoms.- You can communicate better with your doctor.
Tracking your perimenopause symptoms can provide valuable information for your doctor to diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment for you. You can also share your concerns and questions with your doctor based on your symptom data.
- You can prepare for menopause.
Perimenopause can last for several years before you reach menopause, which is the point when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Tracking your perimenopause symptoms can help you estimate when you are approaching menopause and plan accordingly.
- You can improve your quality of life.
Perimenopause can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Tracking your perimenopause symptoms can help you take charge of your health and make positive changes in your lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising regularly, practising relaxation techniques, and seeking support from others. This can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Tracking your perimenopause symptoms does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.
This FREE printable Perimenopause Symptom Checker contains an extensive list of common and less common perimenopause symptoms.
Perimenopause relief options
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may wonder how you can feel like your old self again. The good news is that there are treatments available to help you cope with perimenopause and improve your quality of life.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
One of the main treatments for perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the hormones that are at low levels during this time. HRT can help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and other symptoms. HRT can also reduce your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease after menopause.
HRT comes in different forms and doses, depending on your needs and preferences. You can take estrogen alone or combined with progesterone (or progestin), which protects your uterus from the effects of estrogen. Estrogen can come as pills, patches, gels, sprays, creams, or implants. Progesterone can come as pills, patches, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or injections.
HRT is not suitable for everyone and has some risks and side effects that you should discuss with your doctor before starting it. Some of the risks include blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, endometrial cancer (if you take estrogen without progesterone), and gallbladder disease. Some of the side effects include breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, nausea, vaginal bleeding, and mood changes.
Non-hormonal treatment options
If you cannot or choose not to take HRT, there are other options to help with perimenopause symptoms. These include:
- Antidepressants. These medications can help with mood swings and depression during perimenopause. They can also reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in some women.
- Testosterone. This hormone is produced by your ovaries and declines with age. It can help improve your sex drive, mood, and energy levels during perimenopause. Testosterone is not licensed for use in women but can be prescribed by a specialist doctor if HRT does not help with your sexual function.
- Lifestyle changes. These include eating a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D; exercising regularly; quitting smoking; limiting alcohol and caffeine; managing stress; practising good sleep hygiene; using lubricants or moisturizers for vaginal dryness; doing pelvic floor exercises for urinary incontinence; and communicating with your partner about your sexual needs.
Perimenopause is a natural and normal part of ageing that affects every woman differently. It can be challenging at times but it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying life. With the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms and feel like yourself again.
