PERI- MENOPAUSE 

Perimenopause is the stage right before menopause. This stage, before full menopause, usually starts when women are in their 40s. It typically lasts four years, but can run up to 10 years for some women. Many women don't realise they are in a stage of perimenopause, not linking all their individual symptoms together, putting them down to a busy stressful life / general aging.

Perimenopause officially ends when you experience a consecutive 12 months without your period.

 

What Are Common Symptoms of Peri Menopause?

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The physical symptoms you’ll experience during the early stages of menopause compared to the later stages can be slightly different. However, some women have the same menopausal symptoms throughout their transition. 

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• Perimenopause: Common perimenopause symptoms include:​

  • Hot flashes, night sweats and difficulty sleeping (insomnia) 

  • Irritability

  • Fatigue and mood changes; learn more about depression

  • Vaginal and bladder changes, such as vaginal dryness or urine leakage 

  • Breast tenderness

  • Decreased interest in sex

  • Irregular periods (shorter, longer or uneven gaps between them)

  • More intense premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms / Menorage

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Once you enter menopause, your body produces much less oestrogen, an important women’s hormone. As a result, you may be at higher risk of developing certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis in women (weakened bones) or women’s heart disease. Those conditions are connected to oestrogen levels in your body.