How Do I know if I’m in Perimenopause? 10 common symptoms

“How do I know if I’m in perimenopause” is a question I get asked all the time. And are the symptoms different from menopause? Up until a few years ago, I didn’t even know what perimenopause was, even though I was very much in it. Let’s dive into the differences and get some clarity.

The journey through menopause is natural and inevitable, for most women. And every woman's experience is unique. There is no skipping over it, nor a magic pill that you can take that will be a cure all.

Being kind to yourself and understanding what's happening can make this journey so much easier. Remember, this isn't something to "get through" - it's a natural phase of life that deserves your attention and care. Let’s dive into the most common symptoms.

Perimenopause can begin as early as your 30s and persist for up to a decade, reshaping our bodies and minds in ways we never could have anticipated. It’s hard to pinpoint because….Could this sudden fatigue be perimenopause, or is it that I just have kids? Is this irritability perimenopause, or has my patience finally given up?

Perimenopause – The period of a woman’s life shortly before the occurrence of the menopause.

The term ‘Menopause’ actually refers to just one day. It’s the day a full 12 months since your last period. After that day, you are post-menopausal. In North America, the average age of reaching menopause is 51 years old. Some women breeze through perimenopause and find managing the time after menopause a challenge. For others, perimenopause feels like chaos.

It’s not just about recognizing the physical symptoms; it’s also about acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies this transition.

By identifying these changes early on, you can take proactive steps to manage your well-being and approach this new chapter confidently and clearly.

Symptom Tracking is Key.

Keeping track of your symptoms is essential. Since hormones are fluctuating, there is no on blood test your doctor can do to confirm perimenopause. Consider maintaining a journal or using an app to note changes in your menstrual cycle, mood swings, sleep patterns, and any physical symptoms like hot flashes. This detailed information can provide valuable insights for both you and your healthcare provider. The more you track, the better equipped you’ll be to discuss your experience.

Let’s dive into some of these common perimenopause symptoms:

1. Irregular Periods

• The very first signal to a woman that something is awry is menstrual cycle changes. This could be length, bleeding duration or flow heaviness. When I was in my late 30s, I remember waking up in what looked like a crime scene, with blood everywhere.

2. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

• When estrogen drops during perimenopause, it sends mixed signals to the hypothalamus, which controls body temperature. Hot flashes are extreme and unsettling. You will know when you’ve had one. Night sweats are a little harder to pin point.

3. Mood Changes

• We have estrogen receptors all over our bodies, including in our brain. Declining estrogen and progesterone affects serotonin production. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and other bodily functions. When it is low, we can feel irritable, anxious or depressed.

4. Sleep Disruption

• The yo-yo of estrogen and progesterone often cause sleep disturbances during menopause. Melatonin production, the popular sleep hormone, is affected by the drop in estrogen and progesterone. Troubles falling or staying asleep becomes a regular occurrence.

5. Weight Changes & Metabolic Shifts

• As people age they naturally experience a decrease in muscle mass while fat increases. Lack of sleep and increased stress can contribute to poor dietary choices, leading to weight gain. Especially around the mid-section.

6. Brain Fog & Memory Changes

• Perimenopause brain fog is very much a thing. If you’ve ever felt you couldn’t find the right word for something, or someone’s name or totally forgot to do something important, these are all very common complaints from women in perimenopause. This can be disconcerting.

7. Vaginal Changes

• With perimenopause comes a loss of elasticity of our tissues. From our skin to our blood vessels, bladder and muscles, our tissues are losing the role of estrogen, this includes the vagina and the pelvic floor.

8. Skin & Hair Changes

• When estrogen levels drop, our skin loses collagen. Collagen keeps the skin firm. You may experience dryness both in your skin and hair. You may also notice your hair texture changing.

9. Joint Pain

• Estrogen plays a crucial role in managing inflammation in the body, so naturally, when it starts to drop, we see a rise in inflammation, which can result in joint pain and muscle soreness. Inflammation can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including pain, brain fog, puffiness, anxiety, depression, itchy skin, and gut problems. If inflammation is left unchecked, it can lead to cardiovascular disease.

10. Energy Fluctuations

• With the fluctuating hormones, comes fluctuating energy levels. Sleep is often disrupted, leading to fatigue during the day. Exercise, stress and diet all contribute to energy levels during perimenopause.

Seeking Medical Support

Unfortunately, many healthcare providers are still ill-equipped to recognize the symptoms of perimenopause, leaving women feeling dismissed or not taken seriously. Instead of receiving the support they need, many are simply offered the pill or antidepressants. Can you relate to this experience? It’s important to remember to go to your appointment armed with as much information as you can. At your appointment, you can discuss options like hormone therapy if that’s something you’re considering.

Lifestyle Support Strategies

Seeking support and finding community during this time is essential. Finding a qualified medical practitioner or menopause specialist should be your main priority. Remember, your symptoms are valid and your experience matters. There are many strategies and resources available to you - so you don’t have to suffer in silence.

You’re Not Alone!

Navigating perimenopause can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many women experience similar changes, and there are resources and support available to help you through it.

Reach Out For Help!

• Nutrition is your most powerful lever to reduce inflammation and metabolic health changes that occur in perimenopause that greatly impact the severity of your symptoms and is something you can improve today.

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