What is menopause and perimenopause
Understanding the signs and symptoms, ages and stages.
Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and reproductive years. It's diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average onset around age 51.
Perimenopause, meaning "around menopause," refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and various symptoms. Perimenopause can begin in a woman's 40s, or even earlier, and may last several years until menopause is reached.
Find out more in my useful resources section
What are the hormonal changes in menopause and perimenopause?
Hormones are natural chemicals produced within the body that transmit signals through the bloodstream. They play a role in regulating various functions, such as prompting your body to eat or sleep.
As menopause approaches, three primary hormones undergo significant changes:
Estrogen
Progesterone
Testosterone
These hormonal fluctuations can result in a variety of menopausal symptoms and you can read more about this and the signs and symptoms, ages and stages in my blog.
What are the main signs and symptoms of perimenopause?
Across both stages the main signs and symptoms of perimenopause can be wildly different from one person to another, and many symptoms are not always connected to the transition and therefore go undiagnosed or treated.
During perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause) your first sign will likely be irregular periods as the ovaries begin to run out of eggs. We are all unique and as a result some people will experience no symptoms, and other women will experience severe symptoms that can negatively affect their daily life and simple tasks.
Physical symptoms may include:
Hot flushes and night sweats
Headaches
Sore muscles
Vaginal dryness
Sore breasts
Disturbed sleep
Heavy periods or irregular periods
Mental/ emotional symptoms may include:
Mood swings – e.g. easily angered
Brain fog – e.g. trouble with memory and forgetfulness
Anxiety or depression.
What are the main signs and symptoms of menopause?
The main symptom and sign of reaching menopause is typically when you have gone 12 months without having a period, and like perimenopause you may experience minor discomfort or have severe symptoms.
Physical symptoms may include:
Hot flushes and night sweats
Fatigue
Disturbed sleep
Itchy or crawly skin sensations
Headache or migraines
Bloating
Vaginal dryness
Loss of libido
Urinary issues
Mental/emotional symptoms may include:
Mood swings – e.g. irritable, feeling unhappy
Brain fog – e.g. trouble with memory and forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating
Anxiety or depression.
The scale and variation of symptoms vary between women and having experienced a great many at a severe level, I have developed my approach to therapy to help women at both stages and across the symptomatic spectrum. Many women report feeling ‘not themselves’ or ‘just over it all’ and a sense of overwhelm and general flatness of mood, with increased irritability, tearfulness and anger. Partner and family relationships can feel fractured and work overwhelming.
Additionally, most GPs are not trained in menopause, on average getting 1-3 hours during their extensive training, resulting in many women feel misunderstood, over prescribed depressants, not offered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and at worst; gaslit, ignored or diminished.
