Perimenopause means “around menopause” and is the time leading up to the natural transition of menopause. Perimenopause lasts 4 to 6 years, on average. Although, for some people it can last up to 10 years before menopause, and for others only a year.
Perimenopause is often characterised by erratic fluctuations in your hormone levels, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
During this time there will be many changes happening in your body, most of them will be down to the reduction in estrogen and testosterone levels. You have receptors for these hormones in every cell of your body, meaning that a drop in levels can affect all systems in your body.
No two women will experience perimenopause in the same way. If you’re over 45 years old, you should be able to be diagnosed by symptoms alone. Blood tests are very unreliable due to fluctuating hormone levels. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Mood changes
- Sore & achy joints
- Heart palpation’
- Hot sweats
- Disturbed sleep
- Fatigue
- Vaginal dryness
- UTI
- Night sweats
- Changes in sexual desire
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Burning mouth
- Skin changes
- Bloating
- Trouble concentrating
- Low self esteem
- Breast tenderness
The symptoms of perimenopause may look like other health conditions, so it’s always best to talk with your doctor if you any concerns.