Perimenopause is the time BEFORE menopause. Your brain and ovaries start to communicate less efficiently as you pass 35, which brings your body into peri-menopause, your bodies very slow and gradual transition to eventually reaching menopause.
Therefore, perimenopause can be 10-15 years long, depending on when it ‘starts’ for YOU. Late 30s is when your body/hormones moves into this phase, early 40s is a common time for symptoms to begin. Early menopause, which occurs before the age of 40, can be caused by various medical conditions or procedures and is different from perimenopause.
Menopause is reached after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without having a period (without any hormone therapy or other form of exogenous hormones).
Menopause lasts one day, then you’re postmenopause.
If you go 6 months without a period you are not yet in menopause, if you go 9 months without a period you are not yet in menopause…..you need to get to 12 months without a period to be in menopause.
You can go 6/9/11 months without a period and then BAM, a period arrives…and the clock starts again from here.
You’re waiting to go 12 consecutive months without a period before you can say you have reached menopause.
(This doesn’t apply to surgically or chemically induced menopause, which puts you into menopause instantly).
For some women, perimenopause symptoms can just suddenly hit. It can feel like overnight you just stopped being able to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, your focus switched itself off, your motivation and mojo died, and you gained half a stone.
It’s important to understand that because perimenopause is essentially 10-15 years, a 48 year old woman and a 41 year old woman, although both in perimenopause, may be having very different experiences and symptoms, as one is at the earlier end while the other is at the later end of it. What is perimenopause? It is a transitional phase marked by declining progesterone production with higher oestrogen initially, followed by a decline in oestrogen in the later stages, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause is a natural biological process that marks the transition from the reproductive years to menopause. Typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55, it can start as early as the mid-30s or as late as the mid-50s. During this time, oestrogen levels begin to decline gradually getting higher at first) (usually , leading to a variety of symptoms. This phase, also known as the menopausal transition, is characterised by fluctuating hormone levels, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness.
Definition and Age Range
Let’s look at your hormones and perimenopausal symptoms:
Oestrogen starts to fluctuate erratically once you pass 35, compared to its more gentle ebb and flow of your 20s and earlier 30s.
Oestrogen becomes more erratic the further you move through your 40s/the closer you get to reaching menopause.
The erratic highs + lows of oestrogen can bring erratic symptoms, relating to:
- mood
- cognition (brain fog, lack of focus, memory issues, headaches..)
- periods (heavy, painful, clots, late, early, shorter, longer, abnormal bleeding..)
- temperature regulation (hot flushes, night sweats)
- breasts (painful, tender)
Abnormal bleeding could indicate other medical issues such as hormone problems, pregnancy complications, or conditions like fibroids, so it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience this symptom.
In your earlier 40s, oestrogen is HIGH AND fluctuating. It can increase to levels 3 times higher than ever before in fact. It only starts to decline closer to menopause (much later 40s), where it’s DECLINING AND still fluctuating.
Progesterone starts to decline as you pass 35. This is because non-ovulatory cycles (menstrual cycles where you don’t achieve ovulation about half way through) become more and more likely the further you move through your 40s.
EVEN more so the closer you get to reaching menopause.
Progesterone is anti-anxiety, calming, and sleep supportive.
Menopause symptoms can manifest during the perimenopause stage due to hormonal changes, including irregular periods and hot flushes. Monitoring these symptoms is crucial to manage the transition effectively.
Testosterone can be low for most. You need it for good mood, focus, motivation, and to be able to build muscle and lose body fat.
Many women in their early 40s will say things like:
“I used to be able to sleep well”
“I used to be able to lose 5lb”
“I used to be so efficient”
“I used to be able to juggle everything really well”
“I used to have the best memory + focus”
“I used to wake up feeling refreshed”
“I can’t turn my brain off at night, I can’t unwind”
“I used to be able to exercise and get the results I wanted, now it makes me fat + exhausted!”
Some examples from a 43 year old:
“I’m smart, I’ve always been so sharp. Now I walk into the room with a pen in my hand and have NO IDEA why I walked in there or what I was even going to write down!”
“I’ve been giving presentations and running meetings my entire career but now when I open up the slide deck it looks like Russian to me and I can’t get my words out!”
“I can literally lose my entire train of thought in a split second and not have A CLUE what I was even saying or planning to say….what’s happening to my mind?!”
“What is happening to my body?! My weight is creeping up and up and I’m not doing ANYTHING differently to before!”
If any of this sounds familiar, please know that you are NOT ALONE!
Perimenopause doesn’t have to be like this, it doesn’t have to be horrible, not at all. Perimenopausal symptoms can vary widely among individuals, but they are manageable with the right approach.
Your eating and lifestyle habits have a PROFOUND impact on all of it!
And stress is THE BIGGEST factor in your perimenopause experience. It’s honestly the first place to look and to start addressing.
I hope this has been helpful and if you have any questions o
Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can vary widely in both severity and duration. Here are some common symptoms you might experience:
- Hot flushes: These are sudden feelings of warmth that can be intense and are often accompanied by facial and upper-body flushing, sweating, chills, and sometimes confusion.
- Night sweats: Hot flushes that occur during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and often leaving you feeling exhausted.
- Vaginal dryness: As estrogen levels decrease, you might notice vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during sex.
- Irregular periods: Your menstrual cycle may become unpredictable, with periods that are lighter, heavier, or more frequent than usual.
- Weight gain: Many women find they gain weight during perimenopause, particularly around the midsection.
- Fatigue: Decreased energy levels are common, often accompanied by brain fog and memory problems.
Emotional Symptoms
The emotional symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be just as challenging as the physical ones. Here are some common emotional symptoms:
- Mood swings: Sudden changes in mood, often accompanied by irritability, anxiety, and depression.
- Anxiety: Feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear, which can sometimes be accompanied by physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat and sweating.
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
- Sleep disturbances: Disrupted sleep patterns, which can lead to insomnia, daytime fatigue, and mood changes.
It’s essential to remember that every woman’s experience with perimenopause and menopause is unique. Symptoms can vary in both severity and duration. If you’re experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life or well-being, it’s crucial to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider or a perimenopause nutritionist for personalised guidance and support.
