The Menopause Transition: Understanding Perimenopause
Welcome to the rollercoaster ride of perimenopause! It's a journey many women embark on as they approach their 40s and 50s, marked by a series of hormonal shifts that can bring about a variety of physical and emotional changes.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause, as defined by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, which officially begins when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. During perimenopause, hormone levels begin to fluctuate, paving the way for symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns.
What to Expect in Perimenopause:
The most common symptoms related to perimenopause are
Irregular cycles
Mood changes (depression, anxiety, worsening PMS)
Sleep (insomnia, decrease quality of sleep, frequent wakings)
Weight and metabolism (changes to weight and body composition)
Others include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness - however these often occur later in perimenopause or can be related to worsening PMS.
One of the earliest indicators may be changes in the length of menstrual cycles. If you notice a 7-day shift in your cycle length, whether shorter or longer, it could signal the onset of perimenopause. Additionally, the volume of blood lost during menstruation might fluctuate, with periods becoming heavier or lighter than usual.
Emotionally, perimenopause can be a whirlwind. Mood swings may become more frequent, and you might find yourself grappling with worsening PMS symptoms or experiencing mood changes throughout your cycle. Sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness are also common complaints during this time.
Diagnosing Perimenopause:
Unlike other medical conditions, perimenopause isn't confirmed through a simple blood test. Instead, it's diagnosed clinically based on symptoms and changes in menstrual patterns. Hormone tests are generally unhelpful during perimenopause due to the natural fluctuations in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle. However, specific hormone tests may be conducted in cases of fertility problems or early cessation of periods.
When can I expect to go through Menopause?
It is highly individualized and doesn’t correlate to when you’re mom or family member when through menopause. While we can't predict exactly when you'll enter perimenopause or reach menopause, most women experience menopause between the ages of 40 and 58, with the average age being around 51. Early menopause refers to the end of your period (12 months) between the ages of 40-45. Premature menopause refers to menopause occurring before the age of 40, often due to surgical removal of both ovaries or other medical conditions. Lastly, primary ovarian insufficiency describes a transient or permanent loss of ovarian function leading to amenorrhea in women younger than 40.
Navigating Perimenopause:
So, what can you do if you suspect you're in perimenopause?
Track your symptoms and menstrual cycles diligently. Keeping a record of your periods, along with any accompanying symptoms like mood changes and hot flashes, can provide valuable insights into your hormonal fluctuations.
Seek support: If you're experiencing troubling symptoms, don't hesitate to seek support from a qualified healthcare professional. A complete medical examination can help confirm the diagnosis of perimenopause and rule out any other underlying conditions and most importantly provide treatment to support you during this transition.
Bottom Line
Perimenopause is a natural phase of life that every woman goes through, albeit with her unique set of experiences. While it may come with its challenges, understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek help can make the journey smoother. So, embrace this transition with grace, armed with knowledge and supported by healthcare professionals and organizations like NAMS, dedicated to providing guidance and resources every step of the way. Stay informed, stay empowered, and remember, you're not alone on this journey through perimenopause!
If you feel like you are experiencing symptoms of perimonpause or menopause and need support book a meet and greet and let’s make sure you feel supported during this transition of your life.
