Have you felt your body’s natural routine changing? Are you noticing your periods becoming irregular, experiencing brain fog, raised levels of anxiety or mood swings, worsening sleep, weight gain or hot flushes? You may be experiencing symptoms of perimenopause.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause are stages in a woman’s life that reflect the natural decline of ovarian function, where oestrogen production decreases and ovulation stops. This affects the hormones of the menstrual cycle, resulting in monthly periods coming to an end and bringing about other associated changes, signalling the end of a woman’s fertility.
Perimenopause is the first stage of this process, referred to as the ‘menopause transition’. It is a delicate transitional period that usually begins 4-10 years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and lasts until menopause. ‘Menopause’ is the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and when a woman has gone without a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
During perimenopause, women can experience up to 30 common symptoms, and on average will experience at least 10 symptoms. There may also be changes to the menstrual cycle, heavier or lighter periods, increasing episodes of skipped or missed periods, and heightened symptoms of PMS including cramps, breast tenderness, fatigue and irritability.
One survey of over 1,500 women going through all stages of menopause revealed that 60% of women going through perimenopause experience PMS symptoms. Despite the reduction in oestrogen levels, it is still possible to become pregnant during the perimenopause – so don’t discard contraception just yet!
When does perimenopause start and end?
Women can experience perimenopause at different ages. As it is a gradual change in hormones, some women notice signs of transition to menopause in their 40’s while others notice changes in their mid-30’s.
The length of each stage of the perimenopause can vary for each individual. While the average length of perimenopause is between 3-4 years, some women may only be in this stage for a few months, but it can extend as long as 10 years for others.
Changes in hormone levels in perimenopause?
During a woman’s fertile life stage, the body produces oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
As you approach perimenopause, the ovary’s output of oestrogen, progesterone fluctuates and leads to a gradual reduction of these hormones. Testosterone levels decline with age. These hormonal changes typically start to occur in your late 30s and 40s (but can occur before this), and the declining ovarian function often causes changes to the menstrual cycle and a range of perimenopausal symptoms, including bloating, breast tenderness, hot flushes, night sweats and issues with mood, memory, and concentration and more.
How do you know you’re starting perimenopause?
Each woman experiences perimenopause differently – while some have few or no symptoms, others will suffer from debilitating symptoms. As hormones shift during the years leading up to menopause, the frequency, intensity, combination, and duration of symptoms vary widely from one to another. Common earlier symptoms include period changes, and new or worsening pre-menstrual symptoms, or cognitive changes such as reduced concentration or memory, fatigue or mental health symptoms.
If you think you might be going through perimenopause or menopause and would like guidance on how to manage your symptoms and health at this time click here to find out more.