Exploring the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause: A Natural Guide

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FemGevity Health Team
September 23, 2024
5 min read
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Exploring the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause: A Natural Guide

Perimenopause is a key stage in a woman's life. It comes before menopause, when menstrual periods stop. During this time, a woman's ovaries slowly make less estrogen. This hormone helps control reproduction. Perimenopause can start in the mid-30s to 50s and last for years or even a decade.

Women should learn about perimenopause symptoms. These can include changes in periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and shifts in sexual function. Emotionally, women may feel mood swings, more anxiety, or sadness. Knowing these signs helps women deal with perimenopause better. They can get help from doctors, make lifestyle changes, or try therapy. This can improve life quality during this time. With good management, women can face perimenopause challenges and stay healthy as they move towards menopause.

Common Symptoms

1. Irregular Periods

Perimenopause is when women go through changes before menopause. During this time, their periods may change. They can get shorter or longer than before.Missed periods are a common sign of perimenopause. Women might skip their periods for a month or more. While this can be worrying, it's usually normal during this stage of life. Changes in how much women bleed are also common. Some may have heavier periods, while others might have lighter ones than usual.

These changes are natural as the body moves toward menopause. But if the changes are big or troubling, it's important to talk to a doctor. Knowing about these shifts can help women handle perimenopause better.

2. Hot Flashes

Many people feel sudden waves of heat that mostly hit the face, neck, and chest. This strong warmth can be very intense, making these areas feel much hotter than usual, which is hard to ignore. Often, this feeling comes with sweating, as if the body's internal thermostat is set too high. The amount of sweat can range from a little to a lot, based on the person and the situation. The mix of heat and sweat can get uncomfortable, sometimes making you stop what you're doing to cool down.

3. Night Sweats

Hot flashes are sudden warm feelings, often in the head and neck. They can be worse at night, causing heavy sweating or night sweats. The heat can be mild to very strong. These hot flashes can wake you up, sometimes many times a night. This can mess up your sleep and make you feel very tired during the day. It can also make you moody and less focused. Worrying about when hot flashes will happen can be stressful. You might fear not getting enough good sleep.

Knowing how to handle hot flashes is important. It helps you keep a healthy sleep routine and stops them from ruining your sleep. Good sleep helps you do well during the day.

4. Vaginal Dryness

Lower levels of estrogen, a key hormone for women's health, can make the walls of the vagina thinner. This is called vaginal atrophy. When this happens, the vagina may also get drier because it loses its natural moisture. This dryness can cause discomfort and make intimate moments painful, leading to more problems.

In addition, the thinning walls can get inflamed, a condition known as vaginitis. It can cause itching, burning, and irritation, which can be very annoying. These issues often affect women after menopause when their bodies make less estrogen. But younger women can have these problems too, due to health conditions or treatments that change hormone levels.

5. Breast Tenderness

Hormones can make your breasts swell and feel sore. This happens often during your period, when you're pregnant, or when you're going through menopause. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are the ones that can make your breasts hurt. Each person feels this differently. Some might have a little pain, while others feel it more. It's good to check your breasts yourself often to notice any changes. If the pain stays or is really bad, you should see a doctor.

6. Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time can make daily life hard. Even easy tasks can feel too much to handle. This kind of tiredness is more than just wanting to sleep; it's a deep lack of energy that rest doesn't fix. It can stop a person from doing their normal activities well. Stress, health problems, bad sleep, or other things might cause this extreme tiredness. It can make it hard to focus, make you grumpy, and lower how well you do at work or school. If you're always this tired, it's important to talk to a doctor. It could be a sign of a health issue that needs to be looked at.

7. Sleep Problems

Having trouble falling asleep, waking up often, or getting up too early can be very annoying. These sleep problems can come from many things like night sweats or being uncomfortable in bed. When this happens a lot, it can make you feel bad, change your mood, and make it hard to do things during the day. It's important to notice these signs and find out what's causing them. This way, you can look for ways to fix the problem. Sleep troubles can be because of where you sleep, stress, health issues, or how you live. Figuring out the main cause is key to making a plan for better sleep and health.

8. Weight Gain

Hormone changes, especially during middle age, and a slower metabolism are big reasons why people gain weight, often around the belly. This happens because hormones like estrogen and testosterone drop, making it harder for the body to burn calories well. So, even if you eat the same and stay active, you might still put on weight. This belly weight gain is called "middle-age spread." It's not just about looks; it also increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. If you're going through these changes, it's important to watch your lifestyle and maybe talk to a doctor to keep your weight in check.

9. Thinning Hair

Many women see their hair get thinner or find it falls out more in different areas of the scalp during perimenopause. This stage happens before menopause and can make hormone levels change a lot. These changes often affect hair growth and health. It can be upsetting to have thinning hair or hair loss at this time, but it's a normal problem many women go through as their hormones change.

10. Dry Skin

Hormone changes can make your skin dry. This can make you feel itchy, which might make you scratch. Scratching too much can hurt your skin. But remember, hormones aren't the only reason for dry, itchy skin. Things like the weather, what you eat, and other health issues matter too. If your skin stays dry and itchy, talk to a doctor. They can find out why and help you fix it.

11. Loss of Breast Fullness

As people get older or experience different life events like losing weight, having a baby, and breastfeeding, their breasts can change. They might not be as full or stretchy as before, getting less firm with time. This happens naturally and can be due to hormones, family traits, and how you live, including what you eat and if you work out. When breasts lose density, they often feel softer and may droop, not looking as perky as they did before. It's good to know about these changes to keep your breasts healthy and know when to see a doctor for any worries.

12. Heavy Sweating

Sweating a lot can be upsetting, especially when it happens out of the blue. It might not have anything to do with how much you move or how hot it is. This kind of sweating could mean there's something else going on in your body. If you sweat often and it's not because you're working out, you should talk to a doctor. They can figure out why it's happening and how to help you.

13. Frequent Urination

Feeling like you need to pee a lot can be annoying. It's worse when you also feel a strong rush to find a bathroom right away. This feeling can mess up your day. People with this problem often make sure they are close to a bathroom. They do this so they won't have trouble if they need to go suddenly. Needing to pee more than normal can also wake you up many times at night. This can break your sleep and make you feel tired.

14. Leaking Urine

Urinary incontinence, or stress incontinence, is when you leak urine by accident. It happens during things that push on your belly and bladder, like coughing, laughing, sneezing, or lifting something heavy. The leaks can be small or big, depending on how serious it is and the person's own situation.

This leaking can make people feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. They might not want to go out or exercise because they're scared of leaking. If you have this problem, it's important to talk to a doctor. There are many ways to help control it and make life better.

15. Joint and Muscle Aches

Many people often say they feel a range of symptoms that affect their bones and muscles. A common problem is pain that spreads across different parts of the body. This pain often comes with stiffness, which can make moving hard. People with these issues may also see swelling in their joints and muscles. This can hurt more and might show there's inflammation or other health problems that need a doctor's care. These symptoms can make everyday tasks tough and lower a person's quality of life.

16. Headaches

Frequent or severe headaches can affect individuals. Sometimes, these are linked to changes in the body's hormones. These ups and downs in hormones are a big deal, especially for women. They can happen during their periods, pregnancy, or menopause. It's key to remember that not all headaches come from hormone changes. But when they do, they need special care and treatment.

17. Chills

People often feel sudden, sharp coldness for no clear reason. These chills can be strong, making them shake or put on more clothes to get warm. Oddly, these cold feelings sometimes switch to hot flashes. Then, they feel a strong heat all over, causing them to sweat and look for a cooler place. This back-and-forth from cold to hot can happen many times a day. It makes everyday life uncertain and uncomfortable.

18. Mood Swings: Understanding Depression and Anxiety

People may experience new onset or a worsening of depression and anxiety symptoms, which can manifest as sudden irritability for no apparent reason. This can make communication with others challenging. They might also experience abrupt bouts of sadness that lead to feelings of hopelessness and intense emotions without any warning. These rapid mood fluctuations, particularly the emergence or intensification of depressive and anxious states, can significantly disrupt daily functioning and interactions with others, severely impacting an individual's overall well-being.

19. Lower Sex Drive

Changes in hormones can lead to less interest in sex. Hormones greatly affect how much you want sex, and when they change, your desire can drop. Being tired, side effects from medicines, stress, and mental health problems like depression and anxiety can also make you less interested in sex.

It's normal for how much you want sex to go up and down. But if it worries you or causes trouble in your relationship, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can find out why it's happening and suggest ways to fix it, like treatments or changes in your life.

20. Trouble Concentrating

Having trouble focusing or remembering things is often called "brain fog." It feels like a cloud is making it hard to think clearly. Brain fog isn't a sickness, but it can be a sign of problems like not enough sleep, too much stress, or poor diet. It can make you less productive and make everyday tasks that need focus or memory feel very hard.

21. Short-term Memory Problems

You may have trouble remembering events or talks from the recent past. They might forget main details, big ideas, or whole talks that happened not long ago. When this happens, they can't tell others about their experiences well. This can cause mix-ups or make it seem like they're not paying attention when with others or at work. Remembering recent things is important for everyday life. Problems with this can be upsetting and worrying.

22. Bloating

Feeling extra gassy and bloated.without a clear food cause can be confusing. We often link these feelings to high-fiber foods or dairy in people who can't handle lactose. But when it's not your diet causing trouble, other things might be involved.

Stress, not moving much, or health problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) could be behind the symptoms. Try eating less at each meal and take your time. If you still feel bad, see a doctor. They might suggest writing down what you eat or doing tests to figure out the problem.

23. Cramping

Cramps that feel like period pain but happen when you're not on your period can be puzzling. These cramps are like the usual pain during a period, but they show up at different times in your cycle. The pain is often a dull ache in your lower belly. It can spread to your lower back and legs.

If you have these cramps, they could mean different things, like ovulation or stomach problems. But if the pain is really bad or doesn't go away, you should see a doctor. They can find out why it's happening and help you get better.

24. Heavy Menstrual Flow

Periods that are much heavier than usual, with big blood clots, can be worrying. If your period changes like this, it could mean there's a health issue. Keep an eye on these changes in your period. You might need to see a doctor for a full check-up. If you also have bad pain or feel very tired, it's extra important to get medical help.

25. Light Menstrual Flow

For many people, it's common to see changes in their menstrual cycle. Periods may get lighter and happen less often. This can be a normal part of how the cycle changes over time. These changes might be due to hormone shifts that are unique to you. They could also come from things like lifestyle changes, stress, health issues, or moving into a new phase of your reproductive life. If your period changes a lot, it's smart to talk to a doctor to make sure there's no problem that needs care. Keeping track of these changes can tell you a lot about your health and help you take care of yourself for the future.

26. Spotting

Bleeding between periods or after sex can mean different health issues. These can be from hormone changes and stress to serious things like infections or problems with the cervix. Bleeding at times other than your period might happen because of changes in how you use birth control or it could be something not serious. But it could also mean you have growths like fibroids or polyps in your uterus.

Bleeding after sex might come from a swollen cervix, infections, or STIs. In rare cases, it could be an early sign of cervical cancer. It's important to watch for these signs and talk to a doctor. Finding and treating problems early is key for good health in your reproductive system.

27. Pelvic Pain

Feeling pain or discomfort in the lower belly area, including the pelvic zone, can be worrying. This is especially true if it has nothing to do with your menstrual cycle. This discomfort can be mild or very sharp. It's important to remember that this pain is not just normal period cramps because it happens on its own. If you keep having this pain, it's a good idea to see a doctor. They can find out what's causing it and how to treat it.

28. Backaches

Back pain can be a general ache or a sharp pain. It often comes from tight muscles or hormone changes in the body. This pain can be mild and constant or so sharp that it affects your daily life. People's back pain can change, getting worse with hard work, stress, or what they eat. To manage and treat back pain well, it's important to know what causes it. This could mean seeing a doctor, changing how you live, or both.

29. Changes in Libido

Changes in sexual desire may be more noticeable during perimenopause. This is the time when estrogen levels from the ovaries slowly drop. This change can make your libido go up, down, or stay the same. It depends on your body, feelings, and relationship issues. Many people go through this, and everyone's experience is different.

30. Vaginal Itching

Itchy skin around the vagina is a symptom many women have. It can come from being too dry or from infections. Hormone changes or some medicines can make the vagina dry, causing itchiness and discomfort. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or STIs can also make you itch, along with other signs. It's best to see a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment instead of just using store-bought treatments. Keeping the area clean and using mild products can stop irritation.

31. Vaginal Burning

Feeling a burning in the vaginal area is something some people may feel. It's often because the area is dry or irritated. This can feel like a constant, annoying heat and can get worse when doing things like walking, working out, or having sex. Many things can cause this burning feeling. It could be from hormone changes, often linked to menopause, or from using certain soaps, detergents, or fabrics that touch the sensitive skin. If you keep feeling this burn, if it's really bad, or if you have other symptoms, it's smart to see a doctor. They can figure out what's wrong and tell you how to make it better.

32. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

People can be more likely to get infections in their urinary system. This includes the kidneys, tubes called ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections can cause symptoms from slight discomfort to very bad pain. If not treated, they can lead to bigger health problems. It's important for anyone with these symptoms to see a doctor quickly. This helps treat the infection and stop it from getting worse. Regular check-ups and taking steps to prevent infections can help stop them from happening again.

33. Yeast Infections

When people have big changes in their body hormones, they may get yeast infections more often. These hormonal alterations, which could be linked to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or even certain medications like birth control pills, have the potential to disrupt the delicate balance of microorganisms in the vaginal environment. This interruption can cause an overgrowth of Candida, the fungus responsible for yeast infections, thereby creating an environment conducive to recurrent infections. It's essential to monitor these changes and consult with healthcare professionals if the frequency of yeast infections becomes concerning or disrupts daily life.

34. Osteoporosis

Bone density loss is common and linked to osteoporosis. It makes bones fragile and more likely to break. When bone density goes down, the skeleton isn't as strong. This means bones can break easily, even from small injuries or accidents. Fragile bones can greatly affect a person's health and life. It's important to watch this closely and take steps to keep bones healthy and prevent breaks.

Final Thoughts

Perimenopause is a time of change that can affect your body and mind. You might have hot flashes and irregular periods that change your daily life. You may also feel mood swings and anxiety.

It's key to know about these symptoms to handle this time well. If you have severe or strange symptoms, see a doctor. They can give you advice and treatment choices.

Making changes in your life can help too. Exercise often, get enough sleep, learn to relax, and eat healthy. These steps, along with a doctor's help, can make moving into menopause smoother. This can lead to a healthier and more balanced time during perimenopause.

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