My deep dive into perimenopause has become rather a scary rabbit hole. Not only do I now realise that we don’t know more than we know about this stage of life but I discovered that there are more (many many more) symptoms than hot flushes, missed periods and brain fog. In fact so far there are around 34 documented symptoms of perimenopause but there are likely more.
Perimenopause explained
I was surprised to learn that perimenopause can start as early as the late 30s or mid-40s. In fact, the average age range for the onset of perimenopause symptoms is 40-45 years old.
So, what exactly is perimenopause, and what can you expect during this transitional phase of life?
Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, which is defined as the complete cessation of menstrual periods. During perimenopause, your ovaries slowly begin to produce less estrogen, causing your menstrual cycles to become irregular and your hormone levels to fluctuate.
This hormonal rollercoaster is responsible for the wide range of symptoms that many women experience during perimenopause, which can last anywhere from a few months to over a decade. Yes, you read that right – over a decade! While the average length of perimenopause is around 4 years, some women may go through this transition for much longer. I am one of those women. I think I am in year 6.
Here are the 34 most common signs that you may be entering this transitional phase of life:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Brain fog
- Headaches/migraines
- Dizziness
- Muscle tension
- Joint pain
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
- Urinary incontinence
- Digestive issues
- Allergies
- Breast tenderness
- Body odor changes
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Itchy skin
- Tingling sensations
- Weakened fingernails
- Weight gain
- Osteoporosis
- Oral problems
- Feelings of dread
- Electric shock sensations
- Bloating
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Hair changes
- Formication (feeling of bugs crawling on the skin)
The good news is that not every woman will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary greatly from person to person. I have experienced a few of these, fortunately not all at the same time and I have experienced them fairly mildly, thankfully. Understanding what’s happening in your body during this transition can help you better manage the changes and seek the support you need.
Navigating Perimenopause with Confidence
Making lifestyle adjustments such as prioritizing sleep, staying active, and managing stress can go a long way in helping you navigate this unique life stage with grace and confidence. Remember, you’re not alone – millions of women have been where you are now, and with the right support, you can emerge from perimenopause feeling stronger and more in tune with your body than ever before.
If you are the symptoms you are experiencing are impacting on your daily life negatively, find a health care provider you trust and have a discussion with them about what your options are.
