Did you wake up drenched in sweat and wondered if you were getting sick? Or you’ve noticed some weird PMS symptoms—mood swings, irritability, bloating—but no period in sight. Perhaps, sex isn’t as comfortable as it used to be. Chances are, if you’re a woman over 40, you’re experiencing perimenopause—one of the least celebrated but most drama-filled stages in a woman’s life.
Perimenopause is the tumultuous transition period before the final menstrual curtain call, a.k.a menopause. In this article, we provide a heads-up guide to the mysteries of perimenopause so you can make more empowered choices for your body and mind during the years leading up to menopause.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which officially begins when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. During the perimenopausal transition, which can last four to eight years, hormone levels fluctuate and start to decline as the ovaries prepare for menopause.
Here are the most common symptoms of perimenopause
The hormone shifts that begin during perimenopause can trigger a variety of physical and emotional changes. Some of the most reported symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Changes in menstrual flow and cycle length
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes like irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Decreased sex drive
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair and dry skin
What triggers perimenopause?
Perimenopause marks the beginning of the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It starts when the ovaries begin to run low on eggs and produce less estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal decline is a natural part of aging.
The average age for perimenopause is between 45 and 55. But it can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s. Changes in menstrual cycles are often the first noticeable symptoms. As you near menopause, hormone levels continue to fluctuate and decline.
Check out how to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause…
Some perimenopausal symptoms can significantly disrupt your quality of life. Thankfully, various treatment options can provide relief, including:
- Birth control pills help regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels
- Low-dose antidepressants combat mood swings
- Vaginal estrogen creams reverse dryness
- Diet changes and exercise promote weight management
- Herbal supplements ease hot flashes
Early signs of perimenopause
As stated earlier, most women begin perimenopause sometime in their 40s, but it can start as early as the late 30s. Changes often begin gradually and become more pronounced over time. Some of the earliest signs include:
- Periods that are closer together
- Changing menstrual flow (lighter or heavier)
- Cycles longer than 38 days or shorter than 24
What’s the duration of perimenopause?
Perimenopause typically lasts between four to eight years. Some women breeze through within a couple of years, while others endure a rollercoaster of symptoms for up to a decade before reaching menopause.
The duration also varies based on when you started perimenopause. Women who begin in their early 40s often experience a more extended transition since they have more reproductive years left.
Can you still get pregnant?
Yes, it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause, but fertility declines significantly because ovulation becomes less predictable. If you don’t want to become pregnant, it’s essential to continue using contraceptives during the perimenopausal transition. It’s also important to note that unexpected pregnancies come with higher risks once you’re over 35, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, miscarriage, and chromosomal abnormalities.
How perimenopause affects intimacy
Between raging hormones, vaginal dryness, and discomfort, a dip in libido is common during perimenopause. But a fulfilling sex life isn’t out of the question. Being intimate releases endorphins that can help elevate mood and ease stress.
To make sex more comfortable, use a water-based lubricant. Relieving vaginal dryness can take the edge off. Also, focus more on physical intimacy like kissing, massaging, and creativity with sexual positions. Don’t underestimate the power of intimacy to nurture a connection with your partner.
Adding weight during perimenopause
Frustratingly, perimenopause can slow down your metabolism. Some women gain between 5 to 15 pounds during this transition. As estrogen declines, more fat accumulates around the abdomen.
To maintain a healthy weight, choose a high-fiber, low-GI diet full of phytoestrogens found in foods like flax seeds, tofu, and soy. Staying active is also key. Aim for 30 minutes of cardio four times a week, in addition to twice weekly strength training.
Featured image: Oksana Horiun/iStock
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