Understanding Perimenopause and the Menopausal Transition
The term “perimenopause” is also called ‘premenopause’ and refers to the time when the effects of hormonal change start to become evident. These terms are used to refer to the menopausal transition phase when the levels of reproductive hormones become more variable and the effects of these fluctuations are significant. Perimenopause can last for 10 years or more, ending one year after the last menstrual cycle – which is the official date of menopause. Here is everything you need to know about the symptoms of perimenopause and how to deal with them.
Women begin to experience symptoms of the menopause transition, or perimenopause as early as the age of 35, although most don’t become aware of the transition until they reach their mid to late forties. Often the timing of this phase is similar to the time when a woman’s mother went through the same transition. However, the length of time and severity of menopause-related symptoms for any individual woman cannot be predicted, and every menopause is unique.
What Are The Symptoms of Perimenopause?
Common symptoms of perimenopause during this phase of hormonal fluctuation can include:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Anger and irritability
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Hot flushes
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Anaemia
- Weight gain
- Bloating
- Fluid retention
- Breast tenderness
- Aches and painful joints
- Frequent headaches
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
How Are Menopausal Stages Treated?
As a woman moves through each phase of menopause, hormone levels can fluctuate significantly, however these vital hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone remain important for bones, vaginal and urethral health, skin, brain function and cardiovascular health. It is therefore important to effectively balance and replenish these hormones in order to maintain a woman’s health, energy, mood and brain function. However, one size does not fit all and a thorough consultation, together with appropriate tests, should be carried out when symptoms begin displaying as this will enable a bespoke treatment path to be developed for the individual’s needs. As every woman is unique, so are her hormones. Every woman has her ‘own’ menopause and thus every hormone solution is specifically designed for her.
