Symptoms Of Perimenopause & How To Manage Them

While a lot of us are familiar with menopause, some people are less aware of the details of perimenopause. Perimenopause is the stage that happens just before menopause, a time when a woman’s body starts to experience various changes in hormone levels. These changes can lead to a wide range of often uncomfortable symptoms, including mood swings, vaginal dryness, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and more.

Hot flushes and sweats

Hot flushes are one of the most commonly experienced symptoms of perimenopause. They’re characterised by a sudden feeling of (often uncomfortable) warmth that rapidly spreads throughout the body, sometimes accompanied by sweating, a rapid heart rate, and a general sensation of discomfort. Night sweats, which are similar to hot flushes but occur at night, can also be disruptive to sleep, in turn leading to fatigue and other symptoms.

Mood symptoms

Depression, mood swings, and anxiety are all also common during perimenopause. These symptoms are caused by intense hormonal fluctuations, in combination with the stress factors and other changes associated with this stage of life. Vaginal dryness and pain during sex can also occur, due to decreased oestrogen levels.

Symptom management

In terms of symptom management, there are a few options available that can help alleviate symptoms of perimenopause. 

HRT

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment method that’s used to try to replace the hormones that are no longer naturally available in the body. HRT can help reduce some of the symptoms, however, HRT isn’t suitable for all women, and it’s important to discuss the potential side effects with your doctor.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can also be very positive when it comes to symptom management. The combination of a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help to improve overall health, and will also reduce the risk of certain conditions that can arise during menopause, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Stress management

Stress management techniques, including yoga and meditation, can also be helpful in managing the symptoms. These practices can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.

Supplements

Certain perimenopause supplements are also available, and in combination with a healthy diet, they can bring about positive changes in women experiencing the effects of perimenopause. As with all supplements, it’s important to be aware of any potential side effects, and perimenopausal women should talk to their doctor before taking them.

It’s important to keep in mind that each woman’s experience of perimenopause is unique, and that what works for one person may not work for another. It will likely take a little trial and error to find the best approach for managing symptoms, and the best approach will likely involve a combination of the approaches listed above, and others that you discover yourself.

In conclusion, while perimenopause can produce a range of unpleasant symptoms, there are several ways of managing those symptoms. These include health supplements, hormone replacement therapy, stress management, and general lifestyle changes. Whatever you do, it’s generally a good idea to seek advice from a medical professional, to ensure that you’re doing what’s best for your body.