Something I get asked a LOT is “am I in perimenopause”
If you’re a woman older than 35, then yes you are.
“But doesn’t perimenopause mean I’d be having some of these awful symptoms everyone is talking about these days?”
No.
‘Perimenopause’ is NOT a ‘condition’, a set of symptoms, or a pathology. It’s a natural phase of womanhood, just like puberty and menopause.
Physiologically, a woman’s body starts to move into the perimenopause phase from around age 35, whether she has symptoms or not.
Let’s say for example she’s 39, then she’s in perimenopause, symptoms or not.
If a woman is in post-menopause (e.g., she’s in her 50s and she’s gone a full 12 months without a period), we don’t say that she isn’t post menopause just because she has no menopause symptoms.
We say she IS in menopause based on the fact that she has stopped having periods for a year or more AND she’s in the age range for menopause to occur (natural menopause, not surgically induced).
Symptoms or not, she is menopausal, and it’s the same with perimenopause. It is a phase you are in from around age 35.
Being in perimenopause is not a bad or unwanted thing.
IT’S A NATURAL PHASE! What the media, supplement companies and some so-called ‘experts’ will have you believe though is that perimenopause IS a set symptoms, a pathology, or a condition.
Nope.
Symptoms CAN (and usually do, especially in our modern, high stress world) manifest at 35, 36, 37, OR not until 45, 46, 47. Or NOT AT ALL (you could be lucky).
It will be DIFFERENT for EVERY woman
Symptoms are more likely to manifest if, for example:
- Stress is high or chronic
- Your life is always go, go, go
- Food/diet isn’t supportive of good blood sugar balance
- You have insulin resistance
- You’re sleep deprived
- You drink a lot of alcohol
- Exercise is always intense, long duration, only cardio-based
- You have a history of hormonal imbalances / conditions related to hormonal imbalance
- You have existing autoimmunity going on / autoimmune condition
- Your digestion isn’t optimal / gut health is compromised
Symptoms are related to cycles, periods, PMS, mood, cognition, sleep, weight + body composition, skin, immunity, joints, body temperature regulation, and more.
Understanding Perimenopause
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a natural biological process that typically occurs in women between the ages of 40 and 55, though it can start earlier, for example in your mid to late 30s. During this transition, the brain and ovary communication changes, resulting in less progesterone production.
Producing less progesterone is one of the first hormonal changes to occur. Next, the ovaries can start to produce more oestrogen, in fact even two to three times more than ever before.
At the same time, oestrogen is starting to fluctuate quite wildly, versus it’s previously more gentle ebb and flow. The, the ovaries gradually start to produce less oestrogen. This change in hormonal production and their fluctuations can cause a range of symptoms.
Often referred to as the “menopause transition” or “peri-menopause,” this phase can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
During perimenopause, you might notice changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, and variations in the duration of your periods.
Other common symptoms of perimenopause include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and changes in libido.
It’s important to understand that perimenopause is not the same as menopause.
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
Perimenopause, on the other hand, is the transition period leading up to menopause, characterised by fluctuating hormone levels and intermittent symptoms.
Hormonal Changes and Symptoms of Perimenopause
Hormonal Fluctuations During Perimenopause
From the middle to late stages of perimenopause, the ovaries start to produce less and less oestrogen, leading to a variety of symptoms. Oestrogen levels may rise and fall unpredictably, resulting in changes to your menstrual cycle, hot flushes, and other symptoms.
The decline in oestrogen production is a key factor in the hormonal changes experienced during perimenopause.
Oestrogen is crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle, and its decrease can lead to irregular periods, changes in the heaviness and duration of periods, and other symptoms.
Additionally, other hormones such as progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may also be affected during this time.
Common symptoms of perimenopause can vary widely among women but often include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Changes in libido
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight gain
- Changes in skin texture and hair growth
It’s essential to note that not all women will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary greatly from one woman to another.
Separating Fact From Fiction
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Perimenopause
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding perimenopause, and it’s essential to separate fact from fiction.
Here are some common myths and the truths behind them:
- Myth: Perimenopause is the same as menopause. Fact: Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels fluctuate, and symptoms may come and go. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
- Myth: Perimenopause only affects women over 50. Fact: Perimenopause can starts in your 30s or 40s.
- Myth: Perimenopause is a sign of aging. Fact: Perimenopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women and is not a sign of aging. Many women remain healthy and active during perimenopause and beyond. There is no reason not to.
- Myth: Hormone therapy is the only treatment for perimenopause symptoms. Fact: While hormone therapy can be effective in alleviating symptoms and protective against future health risks of losing these hormones, there are other ways to support your body, including lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and medications.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to get accurate information and guidance on managing perimenopause symptoms. A perimenopause nutritionist, such as myself, can help.
