Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause, often referred to as "menopause transition," is a stage in a person's life when their body undergoes hormonal changes leading up to menopause. Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation, marking the end of a person's reproductive years.
Perimenopause typically occurs in the late 30s to early 50s, although the age at which it begins and the duration can vary among individuals.
During perimenopause, a person's oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels may fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, changes in menstrual flow, and various physical and emotional symptoms. Some common symptoms of perimenopause include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and changes in menstrual patterns. These symptoms can be bothersome for some individuals and may impact their daily lives.
It's important to note that perimenopause is a natural biological process and not a medical condition. However, if the symptoms are severe or interfere with a person's quality of life, they should seek medical advice.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments may be recommended to manage the symptoms of perimenopause, but the decision to use such treatments should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. These can include lifestyle advice and guidance, taking into consideration individual health risks and benefits.
Co-directed alongside our founder, Hazel Hayden, we invite you to explore this video resource, delving into the realms of Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to gain valuable insights and knowledge.
Determining whether you are in perimenopause requires recognising certain signs and symptoms that are commonly associated with this stage of life.
Here are some indicators that may suggest you are peri menopausal:
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Irregular menstrual cycles: One of the primary signs of perimenopause is changes in your menstrual cycle. Your periods may become irregular, shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual. You may also experience skipped periods or have a significantly different flow.
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Hot flushes and night sweats: Many individuals going through perimenopause experience hot flushes, which are sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by flushing of the face and upper body. Night sweats, excessive sweating during sleep, can also be prevalent, as can cold flushes.
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Vaginal and urinary changes: Perimenopause can cause vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort during sexual intercourse. You may also notice an increased frequency of urinary tract infections or urinary incontinence.
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Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or feelings of depression. You may also experience difficulties with memory or concentration.
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Changes in sleep patterns: Some individuals going through perimenopause may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience poor sleep quality, which can contribute to fatigue and irritability.
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Decreased libido: A decline in sexual desire or changes in sexual function can occur during perimenopause.
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary among individuals, and not everyone will experience all of them. Some women may never experience a hot flush but may find mood changes the worst symptom.
Additionally, these symptoms can also be indicative of other medical conditions.