Perimenopause - Am I ?
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 17
🌸 Perimenopause is a natural phase marking the transition to menopause, during which hormone levels—particularly oestrogen and progesterone—gradually decline. This phase typically occurs in women during their 40s but can begin as early as the 30s in some cases.
🕰️ Early onset of perimenopause may be influenced by factors such as:
👩👩👧👧 Family history of early menopause
🚬 Smoking
🎗️ Certain cancer treatments
🏥 Undergoing a hysterectomy
🌸 Perimenopause usually lasts several years and ends when you have your final period, which typically occurs in your early 50s. Despite being a natural part of life, it often comes with symptoms that can significantly impact well-being. Understanding these symptoms and seeking appropriate support can help manage this transition effectively.
✨ Below, we explore six common signs of perimenopause, how they may affect you, and the treatments available to make this stage of life more manageable.
🔥 Six Signs of Perimenopause
1️⃣ Changes in Your Periods
📉 Fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone can lead to irregular periods. You may notice your periods becoming lighter or heavier, shorter or longer, and as you near menopause, you may start skipping periods altogether.
2️⃣ Reduced Enjoyment of Sex & Low Libido
💔 Hormonal changes often cause vaginal dryness, which can lead to discomfort or pain during intercourse. A diminished sex drive is also common.
3️⃣ Hot Flushes, Night Sweats & Sleep Disruptions
🔥 Hot flushes and night sweats, often lasting 5–10 minutes, are hallmark symptoms of perimenopause. These may disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability during the day.
4️⃣ Mood Changes & Cognitive Issues
😢 Anxiety, depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating are common during perimenopause. These psychological symptoms are often exacerbated by poor sleep and hormonal shifts.
5️⃣ Reduced Bone Density
🦴 Lower oestrogen levels can accelerate bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Regular bone scans may help detect any significant changes in bone density.
6️⃣ Changes in Cholesterol Levels
💉 Perimenopause can increase levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and decrease HDL (good cholesterol), heightening the risk of cardiovascular issues.
🌿 Other Symptoms of Perimenopause
Additional symptoms may include:
💢 Tender breasts
😴 Fatigue
🚽 Urinary incontinence
⚖️ Weight gain
👩⚕️ Women with pre-existing uterine fibroids may experience worsening symptoms during this stage.
🩸 Your Periods During Perimenopause
While your periods will continue during perimenopause, they are likely to change significantly. As this phase progresses, missed periods become more frequent. If you go 60 consecutive days without a period, it could indicate you are nearing the end of perimenopause.
⚠️ Important: Ovulation, although irregular, may still occur, meaning pregnancy is still possible. If you’re not planning to conceive, continuing birth control is advisable until menopause is confirmed (12 months without a period).
🏥 When to See a Doctor
While perimenopause is a natural process, its symptoms can disrupt daily life.
You should see your GP if:
✅ Symptoms significantly affect your quality of life.
✅ You experience unusual changes in your periods, such as spotting after sex or between periods.
Your GP can often diagnose perimenopause based on your medical history and symptoms. In some cases, hormone level blood tests may be recommended.
💊 Managing Perimenopause Symptoms
Hormone Therapy (HRT)
💉 Available as pills, creams, patches, gels, or sprays, HRT can help manage hot flushes, night sweats, and protect bone density.
Vaginal Oestrogen
🌿 This treatment can address vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.
Non-Hormonal Options
💊 For those unable to tolerate HRT, medications like gabapentin can reduce hot flushes.
Antidepressants
😞 If mood swings or depression are severe, antidepressants may be helpful.
🌟 Lifestyle Adjustments
🏃♀️ Exercise – Weight-bearing exercises like walking and strength training help maintain bone density and manage weight.🥗 Healthy Diet – A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3s can support overall health.
😴 Sleep Hygiene – Stick to a regular sleep schedule and create a restful bedtime environment.
🧘♀️ Stress Reduction – Mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can ease psychological symptoms.
🚭 Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol – Both can exacerbate perimenopausal symptoms and increase health risks.
💖 Final Thoughts
Perimenopause may be challenging, but with the right knowledge and support, you can navigate this transition more comfortably. If symptoms become overwhelming, reach out to your GP for tailored advice and treatment options.
⚠️ IMPORTANT
We hope you've found this article useful, but it cannot be a substitute for a consultation with a specialist.
📞 If you're concerned about symptoms you're experiencing or require further information, please reach out to us via our TALK TO US section (found at the bottom of our Home Page).
📢 IMPORTANT 📢
We hope you’ve found this article useful. However, it cannot be a substitute for a consultation with a specialist. If you’re concerned about symptoms you’re experiencing or require further information, please reach out to us via our :
TALK TO US (contact us can be found at the bottom of our homepage). 📞💬
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