Perimenopause is known as the transitional period before menopause occurs. Levels of estrogen start to decrease as perimenopause approaches. Irregular periods and a plethora of other prominent symptoms are experienced by women in the run-up to menopause. There’s no set amount of time for how long perimenopause lasts, but it can sometimes last for years.
Going through perimenopause can be a difficult, tedious time for some women. Having the right support system around you is important when transitioning from perimenopause to menopause. Emotions may feel heightened during this transition period. If you go over 12 months without a single period, menopause has begun. For more information on the signs and symptoms of perimenopause, continue reading.
What is Perimenopause?
What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is a transitional period during a woman’s life. During this transition, your ovaries start to produce fewer hormones, which ultimately causes your cycle to become irregular. As you move towards the end of your reproductive years, it’s expected that you’ll feel a range of symptoms.
Perimenopause can begin as early as your mid-30s, or even as late as your mid-50s. There isn’t an exact age predicted for when perimenopause will begin and it often varies for each individual. Some women experience perimenopause for a short amount of time, whereas others endure this period of time for much longer – four to eight years to be exact.
Physical changes occur, and many women can feel the effects of perimenopause massively. As well as physical changes, perimenopause can also take its toll on your mental health. The reason your body goes through such a drastic change is due to the adjustment to different hormone levels. Although it can be harder to become pregnant during perimenopause, it is still possible to fall pregnant.
The Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause
Menopause means that your period has ended. Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause – often when women experience symptoms the most, such as weight gain and mood swings. Menopause can’t officially be diagnosed by a doctor until you’ve gone so many months without a period.
The first indications that perimenopause is approaching are brain fog, confusion and an array of unordinary symptoms. Many women sail through perimenopause and endure only a few symptoms, whereas other individuals struggle massively with this transitional period of their life.
Although it can be difficult going through both perimenopause and menopause, it’s inevitable for women to endure this process. Perimenopause can last for multiple years, whereas menopause is when your periods stop altogether. Postmenopause comes after menopause and occurs a year after the last menstrual cycle.
Hormonal Changes During Perimenopause
Hormonal changes occur when your body starts declining oestrogen levels. Ovaries make oestrogen, which helps to maintain a woman’s reproductive system. Once oestrogen levels begin to decrease, perimenopause starts.
As estrogen slowly decreases over time, another hormone produced by your ovaries, progesterone, is thrown off. Both oestrogen and progesterone together are responsible for ovulation and menstruation. Hormone levels are never streamlined during perimenopause, fluctuating frequently.
To be able to have a period, your body needs to be releasing eggs. Once your body stops producing eggs, you stop having a period. When you reach menopause, there’s so little oestrogen that your body simply can’t have a period anymore.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
Symptoms can vary from woman to woman. Oestrogen has been produced in a female’s body since puberty, so it’s clear to understand why the decline in this hormone causes some changes. Adjusting to lower oestrogen levels often comes with some manageable, yet tedious symptoms.
The most experienced symptoms are irregular periods, lighter or heavier periods than usual, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, urinary urgency, insomnia, irritability and depression. Although some women experience menopausal symptoms more frequently than others, it’s completely normal for these symptoms to occur. If for any reason your symptoms are becoming difficult to tolerate, you should speak with a doctor.
The length of time that you’ll have perimenopause symptoms varies from as little as a few months to years. Unfortunately, the lack of oestrogen in your body can cause other complications such as bone thinning and changes to cholesterol levels, which can lead to other problems if left untreated.
Is Perimenopause Diagnosed?
Perimenopause doesn’t need to be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. It can be easy to notice the changes your body is going through without a diagnosis. It’s understandable why so many women suffer from these changes – it can be hard to adjust to the decreasing levels of oestrogen.
If you feel it’s in your best interest to speak with a doctor, then do so. Symptoms are manageable for most people – we recommend reaching out to a GP as soon as possible if you experience heavy blood clots in menstrual discharge, spotting between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse and intense, emotional symptoms that are affecting your ability to function as normal.
How DAM Health Can Help
DAM Health is your friendly GP service on demand. It can be challenging trying to book an appointment to speak with a healthcare professional when you have a busy work and social life. Our expert services allow you to skip the queues and clinic waiting times – expect immediate access to GP appointments with a date and time that suits your schedule best.
We can provide prescriptions, sick notes and referral letters. Our services are as efficient as clinic-based consultations – our doctors are NHS trained and provide guidance and assistance to both adults and children. If you’re experiencing perimenopause or menopause, reach out to us today.
When symptoms of menopause begin, we recommend taking our menopause at-home test. Our menopause test is over 99% accurate and provides results in as little as three minutes.
Recurring symptoms can be a sign that menopause is about to commence, but taking a test can help determine whether menopause is to blame for any symptoms you’re experiencing. If you’d like to book an appointment, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.