Early Perimenopause

Resources

The first question we frequently ask ourselves is,-

" Is this perimenopause or is it something else?"

Often, there is no easy answer.

Perimenopause is defined as;

The transition phase leading up to menopause, during which your ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen. It typically begins around age 43 (sometimes in the late 30s).

It typically starts with irregular periods, sometimes lighter, sometimes heavier, with or without clots, often more painful than we are used to.

It can last for a few years to over a decade.

Blood hormone testing is notoriously an unreliable tool at this early stage, as female hormone levels can fluctuate hourly, daily and monthly.

Normal diagnosis is usually made based on your age, the pattern of your menstrual cycle and a review of your symptoms.

 

Hormone receptors are found throughout our body.

• Oestrogen and progesterone act on various systems, both the obvious of breasts, ovaries, vagina, uterus and pelvic floor to
• brain, bones, skin, liver, gut, salivary glands, even our cardiovascular system and fat cells.

 

That's why a diagnosis is difficult in early perimenopause.

And that's why you can feel changes through your body.

So, what should you do?

 

Key advice for Symptoms

• I advise to keep a symptom tracker. This will be your book of evidence, your recognition tool, to help you recognise that it's not "All in your mind".   This is real, it is confusing, and understandably so.  
• Remember to also add any mood changes- whether that is more irritability, "premenstrual rage", insomnia, mood swings and "brain fog."
•  Share your concerns with loved ones. They can provide support or at least be reassured that it is not a reaction to something they have done and react in defence.
•  Seek information. There are many resources out there. 
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/
• https://www.balance-menopause.com/
• Sexual desire and intimacy can become strained. The added impact on sleep, stress, worry, mood instability, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness and decreased lubrication can make intercourse more difficult.
• Remember, you can still get pregnant. Your ovulation is more unpredictable, so normal cycle-tracking can be out of sync.
• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet including healthy fats and increased protein can help.
• Resistance training, mind/body practices like yoga, stress reduction and good sleep(which can be particularly challenging) help.
• Visit your doctor to discuss or rule out any other conditions. Discuss whether HRT is an option.
• Non- hormonal options to tackle specific symptoms like hot flashes or CBT for mood and anxiety.

 

Remember, this might not be perimenopause.

Other conditions or stressors might be causing your symptoms.

Learn to trust your gut. Keep a record. 

If in doubt, get it checked out.

 

 

Common Perimenopause Symptoms

• Perimenopause  is the term given to the transition before menopause (1 year after your last bleed) when a change in hormone output and function from the ovaries has  impact, with symptoms fluctuating along side hormone levels. This can start as early as your mid-30s. Initially, as the ovaries produce less hormones, we often don't recognise the early changes as the onset of perimenopause. Little by little, we start to feel different, unpredictable, find it more difficult to cope with everyday life.  The impact of subtle shifts is small, but their buildup can have profound effects on matters of
• health in general
• relationships
• career
• coping capacity
• energy levels
• self-image  Blog link
• mental wellbeing
• physical wellbeing
• physical activity
• Below are many of the now recognised symptoms of lower or fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone.

•  Blog link