How do you know you are perimenopausal & What are the main symptoms?

Many women want to know what to expect as their bodies go through a very natural transition yet grapple with identifying whether hormonal, physical and emotional changes they are experiencing are in fact the perimenopause, or just a case of other external factors such as stress at work.

It’s therefore not surprising that one of the most common questions asked is what are the main symptoms and how do I manage these changes? 

The main common experiences are:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Mood swings

• Sleep disturbances including insomnia

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Memory problems

• Irregular periods

• Loss of libido

• Vaginal dryness

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Headaches

• Urinary incontinency or urgency

• Changes in skin and hair

• Changes in body odour

• Digestive problems

• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• Breast tenderness or discomfort

• Increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease

It all sounds rather depressing doesn’t it but it’s important to note that perimenopause is a normal and natural process that every woman will go through, and it is not a disease or disorder and so let’s not think of it as such. Not all women experience everything listed above and for some, nothing significant occurs other than their periods ceasing. 

While for many it can be a challenging time there are many effective treatments available to manage perimenopause traits, both natural and medical. If you are experiencing events that are impacting your daily life, talk to your friends, as you’ll probably be surprised that at least 1 if not more are also facing similar changes. There is nothing more comforting than realising you aren’t alone, and you aren’t going mad, this is natural and others are going through it too.  It’s important to speak with your doctor to discuss potential treatment options.

Right now, how many women are perimenopausal globally? 

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of women who are perimenopausal globally at any given time, as it’s a natural process that occurs gradually over several years and can vary in duration and intensity from woman to woman. However, according to a report by the International Menopause Society, it is estimated that approximately 1.2 billion women worldwide will be postmenopausal by 2030. This suggests that a significant number of women are likely to be in the perimenopausal phase leading up to the menopause at any given time. You are walking past these women all the time! 

So what’s the difference between perimenopause, menopause and post menopause?

Perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause are all stages of a woman’s reproductive life cycle, with each stage marked by specific changes in the body and hormonal fluctuations. Let us clarify:

1. Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels begin to fluctuate and gradually decline, leading to changes in menstrual cycles and various typical traits described above. This phase can last for several years and typically starts in a woman’s 40s but can be much earlier or in the 50s.

2. Menopause: Menopause is the specific point at which a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of her reproductive years. 

3. Postmenopause: Postmenopause refers to the time after menopause, during which a woman’s hormone levels have stabilised at lower levels, and most menopausal symptoms have subsided. Women are considered to be in post menopause for the rest of their lives. Yay no more periods!