You probably know about menopause, but… Are you familiar with premenopause or perimenopause? A little-known subject, it is nevertheless THE important period that precedes the gradual cessation of a woman's cycles. Irregular periods, night sweats, risk of cardiovascular disease… Certain symptoms can disrupt your daily life. And even influence intimate aspects of your life, such as sexual intercourse. So if you were wondering about the menopausal transition or the hormonal treatments to consider, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you to better understand this period and regain control of your well-being.
What is premenopause or perimenopause?
Premenopause, also called perimenopause, is a natural transition phase in a woman's life. It is often marked by significant hormonal fluctuations that herald the arrival of menopause and the end of periods.
What is the age of premenopause and its first symptoms?
For most women, perimenopause begins between the ages of 40 and 45. Your hormone levels go through major changes. Your ovarian follicles have to adjust their work rhythm, as estrogen and progesterone production decreases… Until you reach menopause (which occurs on average between the ages of 45 and 55). According to Livi , during this transition period, 80% of women experience at least one of these unpleasant symptoms:
- hot flashes;
- night sweats;
- irregularity of cycles;
- heavier (or less!) menstrual cycle;
- vaginal dryness;
- decreased bone density;
- joint pain and risk of osteoporosis;
- urinary tract infection;
- risks of stroke;
- sleep disorders.
The duration of this transition phase, however, remains very variable: it takes between 2 and 4 years before menopause fully sets in.
It should also be noted that 1% of women are affected by hormonal fluctuations of premenopause before the age of 40: this is known as early menopause.
What test can you take to find out if you are in premenopause?
Unfortunately, there is no (yet!) specific hormonal test to diagnose menopause. Because hormone levels fluctuate too much during this period to be analyzed accurately.
However, if you have any doubts, you can consult your doctor. He or she will be able to ask you the right questions and carry out an examination in order to identify the cause of your symptoms.
In some cases, he may also offer you a hormonal assessment for women .
Perimenopause Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Spoiler alert: Symptoms of perimenopause (or early menopause) can vary from woman to woman. The good news is that they are easily recognizable.
Hot flashes and night sweats
Among the most common symptoms in women's lives, we call them... hot flashes and night sweats! Yes, the fault lies in the decrease in hormone levels (in particular the decrease in estrogen and the progesterone deficiency). Which disrupts the body temperature regulation system.
These vasomotor symptoms are manifested by a sudden surge of heat, followed by excessive sweating, often in the upper body.
Night sweats, on the other hand, disrupt women's sleep and lead to chronic fatigue in some of them.
Vaginal dryness and decreased libido
Declining estrogen levels in premenopausal women often lead to vaginal dryness. And that can make intercourse uncomfortable or even painful.
In addition to physical discomfort, these changes can lead to a period of vulnerability, affecting the couple's relationship and self-esteem.
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Irregular or heavy periods
Before they finally stop, menstrual cycles often become unpredictable. The duration of periods in premenopause can then vary more frequently.
Some premenopausal women also experience an increase in menstrual flow, with bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than usual. These irregularities are due to hormonal changes, linked to the decrease in levels of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
Again, these bothersome symptoms can be upsetting, but they are a normal part of the menopausal transition.
Be careful though! You are not infertile for all that. So, find out about the right contraception during menopause to adopt in your situation.
Sleep and mood disorders
Sleep disturbances are common during the premenopausal period. Insomnia or nighttime awakenings can lead to accumulated fatigue, which affects women's quality of life. Many of them then experience significant mood fluctuations:
- irritability;
- anxiety ;
- or even depression.
Guess who's to blame? Yes, hormones again! Because hormone production (such as serotonin) directly influences mood-related neurotransmitters.
This is why it is important to pay attention to these psychological symptoms to prevent them from getting worse.
Urinary weakness
These unwanted symptoms also include a weakening of the urinary tract, which is also linked to the drop in hormones in premenopausal women. This hormonal upheaval can affect the pelvic muscles and bladder. This can lead to mild urinary incontinence – especially during physical exertion such as coughing, laughing or exercising.
If this urinary incontinence bothers you, do not hesitate to consult your doctor: he may consider hormonal treatment adapted to your situation.
Weight gain and slow metabolism
The perimenopause period is often accompanied by weight gain, especially around the abdomen. This is because the drop in hormones (including the female hormone estrogen) leads, among other things, to a slowing down of the metabolism.
With age, muscle mass decreases and the body tends to store fat more easily. Some premenopausal women experience this period with great frustration. Especially if they have not changed their eating habits or physical activity routine.
How to manage perimenopause symptoms on a daily basis?
Good news! There are plenty of ways to better experience the menopausal transition on a daily basis:
- Focus on foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to support your bone density and limit joint pain. Don't skimp on sources of Omega 3 to help regulate moods. Conversely, reduce your consumption of alcohol and spicy foods, which can trigger certain unwanted symptoms.
- On the physical activity side, regularly practice gentle exercises, such as yoga or brisk walking. This will allow you to maintain an active metabolism and manage your stress.
- Sleep in light clothing to limit hot flashes at night. This will help you get a better quality sleep.
- Do you like natural remedies? Now is the time to overdo it! Herbal infusions, such as sage or red clover, can also relieve vasomotor symptoms. You can also take an iron supplement to quickly perk yourself up.
- If you suffer from vaginal dryness, you should know that there are very simple solutions, such as lubricants to improve your sexual relations or appropriate hormonal treatment (prescribed by a doctor). Which can really reduce the appearance of symptoms of this kind.
However, if all of these symptoms become too bothersome, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. They may offer you hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or localized hormonal treatments for vaginal dryness.
Premenopause, or menopausal transition, is a natural phase that can bring its share of physical and emotional changes. By better understanding the general symptoms and adopting appropriate solutions, you can get through this period more serenely. Keep in mind that health professionals remain at your disposal to prescribe medical treatment, if necessary!
