Tag: perimenopause symptoms

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when your hormone levels start to change and your periods become less regular. It usually starts in your 40s and lasts several years, ending once you’ve gone 12 months without a period. During this time, many people notice symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep problems and mood changes. Perimenopause can creep up on you. Your periods might change, you might start waking at 3am, or you might feel more anxious than usual, without realising your hormones could be behind it. This guide explains what perimenopause is, when it starts, how long it lasts, how to tell if you’re in it and what can help. Quick facts: What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the stage before menopause, when your ovaries gradually stop working as they used to. Your hormone levels start to change, your periods become less predictable, and you may notice new physical and emotional symptoms. What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things: Many people say “menopause” when they mean perimenopause. That’s understandable, but the difference matters. Perimenopause is usually when symptoms are most noticeable, and when you can still get pregnant. What age does perimenopause start? Perimenopause most often starts in your mid-40s, but everyone is different. Some people notice changes in their late 30s or early 40s, and others not until their late 40s. Menopause usually happens between 45 and 55. Under 45. If your periods stop before you’re 45, this is known as early menopause. Under 40. If your periods stop before you’re 40, it’s called premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). It affects around 1 in 100 women under 40. If you’re under 40 and your periods have become irregular or stopped, see your GP. POI needs proper assessment and treatment. Your genes, lifestyle habits like smoking, some medical treatments and surgery on your ovaries can all affect when perimenopause starts. Find out more in our guide to whether you can predict when menopause will happen. How long does perimenopause last? Perimenopause usually lasts several years, and the length varies a lot from person to person. For most, perimenopause will last about 4 to 8 years, but it can be longer (or shorter!). It ends once you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Symptoms don’t always stop when your periods do. Hot flushes and night sweats often carry on into postmenopause. In one large study, hot flushes and night sweats lasted more than seven years overall for around half of the women. What causes perimenopause? Perimenopause happens because your ovaries gradually run out of eggs and stop responding to the hormones that control your cycle. This is why symptoms can come and go, and why they can be so unpredictable. It’s also why a single blood test often can’t confirm perimenopause: your hormones can look normal one day and very different the next. What are the first signs of perimenopause? For many people, the first sign is a change to their periods. Your cycle might get shorter or longer, your periods might become heavier or lighter, or you might skip periods altogether. Other common early signs include: Period and cycle changes Often the earliest and most recognisable sign of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. This can include shorter cycles (less than 21 days), longer cycles or skipped periods, heavier or lighter periods than before, spotting between periods or more intense PMS symptoms. Hot flushes and night sweats Hot flushes are sudden feelings of heat, usually in your face, neck and chest, which can make your skin red and flushed. They can happen at any time, often with no obvious trigger. Falling oestrogen affects the part of your brain that controls body temperature, making it more sensitive to small changes. Night sweats are hot flushes that happen while you sleep. They can be heavy enough to soak your nightwear and bedding, and wake you up. Sleep disturbance Poor sleep is one of the most common and most underestimated symptoms. Night sweats can wake you, but falling progesterone and changing oestrogen levels can also affect your sleep directly. Many people find they wake in the early hours and can’t get back to sleep. Mood changes – anxiety, low mood and irritability Changing oestrogen levels can affect the brain chemicals involved in mood, such as serotonin. You might notice: These are some of the most often missed perimenopause symptoms, because they’re so easily put down to stress, relationship problems or a mental health condition. Brain fog and cognitive changes Many people notice difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness or a feeling of mental “fuzziness”, often called brain fog. Oestrogen plays a role in memory, attention and processing speed, so changing levels can affect how sharp you feel. Brain fog can be worrying, but it’s a common, recognised symptom of perimenopause, not a sign of something more serious. Vaginal and bladder changes Falling oestrogen can make the tissues of your vagina, vulva and urethra drier, thinner and less elastic. This is known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), and it can cause vaginal dryness or discomfort, pain during sex, increased susceptibility to thrush or bacterial vaginosis, urinary urgency or frequency and recurrent urinary tract infections Low libido Changes in libido during perimenopause are driven by a combination of declining testosterone, vaginal discomfort, disrupted sleep and mood changes.  Skin, hair and body changes Decreased oestrogen reduces collagen production, causing skin to feel drier, thinner, and less elastic. Some people also notice increased sensitivity or new adult acne. Falling oestrogen alongside declining progesterone and testosterone changes the hair growth cycle, and many perimenopausal people notice hair thinning at the temples or crown. Hormone changes can affect where your body stores fat, with more weight gathering around your middle, even if your diet hasn’t changed. Joint pain and muscle aches Aching joints and muscles, especially stiffness in the morning, are a recognised symptom of perimenopause. Heart palpitations Some people notice […]