Sign’s of perimenopause

Perimenopause can begin in a woman’s late 30’s or early 40’s- often years before periods stop completely.

Many women are told 'they are ‘too young’, stressed, anxious or simply busy, when hormonal fluctuations may actually be contributing.

Common symptoms are often subtle at first and can occur even when periods are still regular.

Early symptoms can include:

• waking at 3-4 am,

• lighter sleep

• night sweats

• tiredness

• reduce libido.

Changes in progesterone can affects sleep, whilst testosterone also starts to decline which can affect libido.

In the latter stage of perimenopause, oestrogen levels fluctuate and decline which can lead to:

• increasing anxiety

• irritability

• overwhelm

• reduced stress tolerance

• panic symptoms

• hot flushes

• night sweats.

Hormonal fluctuations can influence neurotransmitters in the brain including serotonin and GABA.

Other bodily changes which often affect women can include:

• increased visceral fat

• difficulty losing weight

• reduced muscle mass

• blood sugar instability.

Women will commonly describe:

• brain fog

• poor concentration

• reduced mental clarity

• word finding difficulty

Skin changes can include:

• dry skin

• thinning hair

• adult acne

• pigmentation

• collagen loss, fine lines and wrinkle, paper thin skin

Loss of libido or vaginal changes can include symptoms like:

• vaginal dryness

• painful sex

• urine urgency

• UTI’s

• reduced libido

Perimenopause is not diagnosed based on a single blood test. It is often based on age, life stage, symptoms, menstrual patter and broader metabolic and health assessment.