Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and How to Manage Them

Perimenopause, also known as menopausal transition, is the time duration before menopause during which the female body makes a natural transition to menopause. Different women go through menopause and, hence, perimenopause at different ages.

Perimenopause can cause physical and emotional symptoms in women, such as trouble sleeping, hot flashes, and mood swings, that affect quality of life. Recognising these symptoms and adopting some strategies and lifestyle changes can help minimise their impact and improve overall health. This article discusses perimenopause, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and management.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period the body goes through before menopause. During perimenopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen, leading to irregular periods. The age of starting perimenopause and its duration differ for different women. However, typically, perimenopause begins in the mid-40s, eight to ten years before menopause. No menstrual cycle for a year signals the end of perimenopause and reaching menopause.

What causes Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a natural process caused when ovaries slowly stop working. Due to this, the ovulation becomes erratic and eventually stops. The menstrual cycle becomes longer, while the menstrual flow becomes irregular and unpredictable.

What are the Symptoms of Perimenopause?

During the transition to menopause, the following symptoms of perimenopause can occur in women:

1. Irregular Periods

During perimenopause, ovulation becomes more erratic. Hence, women can experience irregular time between periods, light or heavy flow during periods, and even skip some periods.

2. Hot Flashes and Sleep Problems

Hot flashes refer to a sudden warm feeling in the upper body accompanied by sweat and flushing. The night sweats caused by hot flashes can also affect sleep during perimenopause.

3. Mood Changes

Both hormonal changes and sleep problems during menopause can contribute to mood changes such as being irritable, having mood swings, and suffering from depression.

4. Vaginal and Bladder Problems

The reduced production of oestrogen during perimenopause can cause a loss of vaginal elasticity, making intercourse painful. Additionally, low oestrogen can also increase the risk of vaginal and urinary infections.

5. Decreasing Fertility

While pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, the chances of conceiving are reduced due to irregular ovulation.

6. Changes in Sexual Function

During perimenopause, sexual desire and arousal can change.

7. Loss of Bone

The declining oestrogen levels during perimenopause lead to a higher rate of bone loss when compared to the rate of bone replacement. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, which is when bones become fragile.

8. Changing Cholesterol Levels

The declining oestrogen can also lead to harmful changes in blood cholesterol levels. In particular, the bad cholesterol level increases, and the good cholesterol level reduces, leading to a higher risk of heart problems.

How is Perimenopause Diagnosed?

Since it is a natural process, no perimenopause test is sufficient to determine whether one has entered perimenopause.

Doctors consider several factors, such as age, menstrual history, and symptoms, when making a diagnosis. Additionally, doctors can order thyroid function tests to assess hormonal changes when evaluating perimenopause.

How to Manage Perimenopause Symptoms

Following the guidelines below can help one control the symptoms of perimenopause and increase the quality of life.

Eating a Healthy Diet: A heart-healthy diet high in fibre and low in fats is favourable for perimenopause. Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and fish should be preferred. Red meat and fried food items must be avoided.
Staying Hydrated: Staying hydrated by consuming noncaffeinated and noncarbonated beverages can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and improve overall health.
Getting Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is essential to maintain overall health during perimenopause and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Preparing for Hot Flashes: One can prepare for hot flashes by keeping the room temperature cooler when possible and carrying a battery-powered fan. Additionally, food items that can trigger hot flashes, such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food, must be avoided.
Avoiding Smoking: Smoking can worsen perimenopause symptoms and increase the risk of heart disease.
Tracking Menstrual Cycle: Tracking the menstrual cycle, including the time between periods, menstrual flow, cramping, and pelvic discomfort, can help doctors determine perimenopause or other gynaecological conditions.
Using Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques such as meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy can help one sleep better during perimenopause.

Perimenopause is a natural condition that occurs before menopause and can cause several physical and emotional symptoms. By recognizing these symptoms, following the perimenopause management guidelines above, and seeking timely perimenopause treatment, one can overcome this condition with better overall health and quality of life. Women begin perimenopause at different ages. Upon noticing any symptoms of perimenopause, one should consult a doctor and book a test at Dr Lal PathLabs.