Perimeno-what?? Perimenopause, the great unknown

Clarice Pinto
Business
February 23, 2024
05 min read

Introduction

Perimenopause is a transitional phase preceding menopause, characterized by hormonal fluctuations and a variety of symptoms. Despite its significance, it often remains little known and underestimated. Many women face physical and emotional changes without a clear understanding of what is happening to their bodies.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause begins with irregular menstrual cycles and ends approximately one year after the last period. This phase can last from a few months to a decade, with an average duration of three to four years. During this time, estrogen levels can vary significantly, affecting ovarian function and causing a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

Main Symptoms of Perimenopause

  • Hot flashes and night sweats: Between 35% and 50% of women in perimenopause experience hot flashes, which can last from 5 to 10 minutes and occur during the day or night. These episodes often start in the face, neck, or chest and may be accompanied by an intense feeling of warmth and sweating.
  • Sleep disturbances: Around 40% of women in perimenopause report sleep disorders, which can be linked to night sweats but also influenced by age and stress.
  • Mood changes: Many women experience irritability, anxiety, and depression during perimenopause. These mood swings may be attributed to hormonal fluctuations as well as life circumstances, as this period often coincides with significant changes (e.g., children leaving home or caring for elderly parents).

Less-Known Symptoms: Beyond HotFlashes and Irregular Periods

A factor that makes perimenopause difficult to identify is the lack of awareness of its less common symptoms. While hot flashes and irregular cycles are among the most recognized, over 40 different symptoms related to perimenopause have been identified. These include often-overlooked symptoms such as:

  • Weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Vaginal dryness and reduced libido.
  • Skin and hair changes, such as thinning or dryness.
  • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

These symptoms are often misattributed to other causes, such as aging, stress, or unrelated health conditions, but are actually linked to perimenopause. Around 70% of perimenopause symptoms are mistakenly diagnosed assigns of other issues, such as depression, elevated cholesterol levels, or thyroid problems. This can lead to misdiagnoses and treatments that fail to address the true cause.

 

Perimenopause as a "Second Puberty"

Some experts compare perimenopause to a "second puberty" due to the significant hormonal fluctuations and physical and emotional changes it entails. As with adolescence, women may experience mood swings, bodily changes, and an overall sense of instability. This analogy underscores the importance of understanding and addressing this phase with awareness and proper support.

How Women Can Prepare for This Phase

  1. Educate themselves about perimenopause and its symptoms: Gaining accurate and up-to-date knowledge helps women recognize the signals from their bodies and face changes with greater confidence. This includes awareness of lesser-known symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis and take timely action.
  2. Undergo regular check-ups and monitoring: Regular consultations with a doctor to assess overall health and discuss any symptoms or concerns are crucial. Monitoring hormonal levels, bone health, and other health indicators can help prevent and manage symptoms.
  3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet with adequate protein and fiber intake, engaging in regular physical activity (particularly muscle-strengthening exercises), and managing stress contribute to reducing the impact of perimenopause symptoms. Reducing alcohol consumption and improving sleep quality can also help navigate the changes.

Facing perimenopause with awareness and preparation can significantly enhance quality of life during this transition. Being informed and prepared enables women to approach this phase as an opportunity to take care of their well-being in a comprehensive, 360-degree way.

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