When it comes to women’s health, the term ‘menopause’ is widely recognised. It refers to the ‘change of life’ that happens when a woman’s menstrual cycle ends, marking the conclusion of her fertile years.
This typically takes place between the ages of 45 and 55, instigated by declining hormone levels. However, symptoms can often appear several years before menstruation ceases, in a phase known as Perimenopause, which can occasionally affect women in their 30s or even earlier.
The initial signs of menopause and perimenopause are commonly thought to be hot flushes, but many women will actually experience symptoms long before this – even if they don’t always identify them.
According to the NHS, menopause and perimenopause can trigger a range of symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, brain fog and irregular periods that can “have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work.”
However, there is support available if you’re struggling. A simple trip to your GP can often provide answers and some relief to help you tackle the unwanted symptoms and learn to manage them, reports Gloucestershire Live.
So, what are the symptoms of Perimenopause?
Some lesser-known early warning symptoms of perimenopause may include:
- Menstrual flooding
- Vaginal flora issues
- Urinary tract infections
- Anxiety, low mood or depression
- Cognitive challenges
- Disturbed sleep
- Energy issues
- Thyroid issues
- Heart symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath
- Skin changes such as dryer skin with more pimples, itching or rashes
- Exercise feels like a chore
- Joint issues
- More prone to illness and infections
- Libido and sex drive is affected
Other symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
- changed body shape and weight gain
These symptoms can persist for months or even years and can change over time, gradually improving or worsening.
The NHS has shed light on the menopause transition, stating: “Hot flushes and night sweats may improve, and then you may develop low mood and anxiety. But some symptoms, such as joint pain and vaginal dryness, can carry on after your periods stop.”
Delving into the causes of perimenopause, it’s highlighted that this phase is a natural part of life, though it may strike some women earlier due to various factors such as:
- Smoking – Menopause tends to occur one to two years earlier in women that smoke.
- Genetics – Women with a family history of early menopause may experience early menopause themselves.
- Cancer treatment – If you have undergone treatment for cancer in the past with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, this has been linked to early menopause in some studies.
- Hysterectomy – A hysterectomy that removes your uterus, but not your ovaries, usually doesn’t cause menopause, but while you no longer have periods, your ovaries still produce Oestrogen and the surgery may trigger an earlier than average menopause.
- Stress – Women under a lot of stress may also experience perimenopause earlier, as stress hormones are known to disrupt the normal ovulatory pattern which produces oestrogen and progesterone.
For those grappling with perimenopausal symptoms, many tend to endure without seeking medical advice, often not recognising the signs or choosing to tolerate them. As these symptoms gradually manifest, the connection to hormonal changes during menopause might not be immediately apparent.
Nevertheless, if symptoms start to take a toll on one’s quality of life, it’s crucial to acknowledge that support is accessible through GPs, and suffering in silence isn’t necessary.
Beyond medical assistance which could include Hormone Replacement Therapy, the NHS recommends lifestyle adjustments to alleviate symptoms. These include maintaining a balanced diet with calcium-rich foods like milk and yoghurt, regular exercise, connecting with others experiencing similar issues, and prioritising mental health.
Moreover, the NHS advises against smoking and recommends sticking to the alcohol consumption guidelines.
For more help and support surrounding menopause and perimenopause, visit Menopause Support or visit your GP.