What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time when your body makes the natural transition to menopause, which is the end of your reproductive years. The phase can last anywhere from a few months to several years. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen, leading to a decrease in fertility and changes in menstrual cycles.
Perimenopausal Symptoms
Research has shown that 74% of women experience symptoms relating to perimenopause. Everyone’s experience is different but the most common symptoms include:
Irregular periods
As ovulation becomes more unpredictable, the length of time between periods may be longer or shorter, your flow may vary, and you might experience some missed periods.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes can overcome your body at any time and can be quite alarming, often followed by sweating. Night sweats can also become common and lead to additional tiredness.
Sleep Problems
Some women experience issues with their sleep, sometimes due to the night sweats, and others also experience bouts of insomnia as their body adapts to the hormonal changes.
Mood Issues
Mood swings or dips in mood are also common during perimenopause. Fluctuating hormones can heighten the emotions and women may experience increased levels of anxiety and irritability.
Vaginal Changes
A decrease in your oestrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and sometimes discomfort during sex.
Libido Changes
Both linked to the pain you may experience and your hormonal changes, women can see their sexual desire and libido change. Usually this is a decrease in interest.
Bone Density
As oestrogen levels fall there is an increase in the risk of osteoporosis as women can experience a decrease in their bone density.
Managing your symptoms
Perimenopause is an entirely natural stage of life but it can be worrying and you may want to find ways to effectively manage your symptoms. Our women’s health service and general practice support our patients through all life stages and we can advise and make recommendations to help you manage your symptoms.
Simple lifestyle changes can make a difference for some patients while others may want to consider hormone therapy. There are also other non-hormonal medications you can try to help manage hot flashes and the mood swings you may experience.
Booking an appointment with one of our GPs is your first step in seeing the best way forward to manage your symptoms. Get in touch today to find out more.
