Perimenopause & Beyond
The transition through menopause known as perimenopause can be experienced by women for up to ten years before menstruation finally ends. From 35 years onward, we have a natural decline in oestrogen which is often gradual until a point. In our early forties, many women start to feel the impact of fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone. At times a drop in progesterone and heightened oestrogen can occur and this results in a class of indications that include climacteric symptoms such as flushing and night sweats, palpitations, dizziness and even cold chills. Heavier blood losses also fit this classification. In these instances, progesterone support may prove to be the most effective angle of treatment from a pharmaceutical perspective. Phytoestrogen supplements, reduced caffeine, spice and sugar can also help.
A more extensive list of symptoms includes:
Irregular periods – not always experienced in early perimenopause |
Changes in period or total cycle length – often becoming shorter in latter stages |
Heavier periods for some and lighter for others |
More painful periods, particularly with peaks in oestrogen and or a history of endometriosis |
Spotting between periods |
Weight gain with no dietary changes and fat deposits more centrally located |
Breast tenderness or pain/sensitivity around ovulation or menstruation and changes in texture or density of breast tissue |
Joint pain and muscle tension |
Dry mouth, eyes or vaginal lining due to mucous membrane changes – painful intercourse may result |
Oral health changes with gum disease, receding of gums and tooth bone loss |
Headaches, with increasing severity for those who have a history of this |
Skin oiliness or breakouts or dry skin depending on the hormone balance at the time |
Hair thinning or oiliness |
Urinary tract infections due to acidity and bacterial changes |
Increased urinary frequency in general or at night |
Insomnia or sleep disturbance in general, often waking in the early hours not being able to return to sleep if wired |
IBS or sudden intolerances to new foods |
Heightened sensory awareness to smell, taste, touch, heat, sound – particularly with a history of neurodiversity |
Mood changes – throughout the month and/or specifically from ovulation onward until menstruation. Irritability and meno rage are common |
Anxiety, new anxieties or magnified anxiety if historic, health anxiety |
Low mood or depression in some, particularly from ovulation onward, sometimes a lack of interest in usual activities of interest |
Brain fog, poor concentration & focus and memory recall lapses |
Emotional instability including crying or heightened emotional states or lack of self-esteem/confidence |
Increased libido or reduced libido depending on hormone levels |
Tinnitus |
General fatigue |
As a general rule women will benefit from a good multi vitamin and mineral, magnesium, supplemental bacteria and omega 3 every day. Depending on what group of symptoms you experience diet and lifestyle practices as well as supplement protocols can be tweaked to tailor your needs. Groups of symptoms are often experienced for a time before switching to another group in latter stages. Tracking and monitoring your wellbeing via journals or apps can help you manage your wellness and reclaim your health during this time.
Menopause coaching and holistic nutrition can guide in empowering your menopause journey, help you take control of these sometimes-unpredictable symptoms and work towards you feeling great again. Taking the time to prioritise yourself in perimenopause can set you up for better longer-term health and change the narrative on this inevitable hormone evolution.
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