Perimenopause literally means the period around menopause.
What is the average age at which perimenopause begins?
Perimenopause symptoms usually begin in your 40s, but they can start in your 30s. This period can last up to 12 years until you actually reach menopause. Therefore, it is important to understand what is happening during this time and live as healthily as possible to minimize symptoms. Interestingly, many women after menopause look back and realize that what they were feeling and reacting to before menopause were actually typical symptoms of perimenopause.
What are the early symptoms of perimenopause?
Perimenopause symptoms usually begin in your 40s, but they can start in your 30s. This period can last up to 12 years until you actually reach menopause. Therefore, it is important to understand what is happening during this time and live as healthily as possible to minimize symptoms. Interestingly, many women after menopause look back and realize that what they were feeling and reacting to before menopause were actually typical symptoms of perimenopause.
Symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Brain fog
- Becoming more emotional or overwhelmed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Joint pain
- Vaginal dryness and itching
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections such as cystitis
- Periods tend to become irregular.
Also, please note that if you still have your period despite having typical perimenopause symptoms, you may be experiencing perimenopause. Your periods may become heavier and more frequent, lighter and further apart, or a combination of both. You can still become pregnant during perimenopause, so you need to continue using contraception.
To manage perimenopause symptoms
Most perimenopause experts point out that women who have mild or no perimenopause symptoms tend to be those who take care of themselves by eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to relax and manage stress. It may also be a good idea to consult a specialist to see whether HRT is an option for you.
For further support and advice, please refer to our dedicated "Menopause Guide".