Perimenopause is a transitional stage that occurs before menopause, marking the decline in reproductive hormones in a woman’s body. It typically starts in a woman’s 40s but can begin earlier for some individuals. During perimenopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and various hormonal changes. Perimenopause is the stage before the menopause, as the menopause is diagnosed once a woman has not had a period for 12 months straight.
If you think you are seeing signs of the perimenopause and are unsure what to expect or what to look out for, we’ve put together this helpful guide to inform you all about the top signs of the perimenopause. Here at Bodyline, we really care about menopause awareness and education, check out more of our helpful and informative articles about the perimenopause here.
The Symptoms of Perimenopause
Did you know that around 13 million women in the UK are currently perimenopausal? You are certainly not alone in wondering how the perimenopause may be impacting you. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration for each woman.
Here are some common signs to watch out for:
Irregular Periods
One of the most noticeable signs of the onset of perimenopause is irregular menstrual cycles. You may experience shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter periods, or skipped periods altogether. These changes occur due to the fluctuation of estrogen levels in the body.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are classic symptoms of perimenopause. They are characterized by sudden feelings of intense heat, usually accompanied by flushing of the face and excessive sweating. These episodes can disrupt sleep and daily activities, causing discomfort and frustration. If you are still having periods but experiencing hot flashes, this is a solid indication that you are in the throes of perimenopause.
Mood Swings and Emotional Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can affect your mood and emotions. You may experience heightened mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness. These emotional changes can be challenging to navigate, but understanding their hormonal origin can help manage them effectively and ease worries and concerns about wider problems.
Sleep Disturbances
Many women going through perimenopause experience sleep disturbances. This can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep throughout the night, or waking up too early. Hormonal imbalances, night sweats, and anxiety can contribute to these sleep issues.
Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort
Since this stage sees estrogen levels fluctuating, when in decline, perimenopausal women may experience vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse. This can lead to pain, itching, or a decreased libido. This dryness can even cause chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you are suffering from any of these symptoms and they aren’t going away with traditional treatments, it may be a sign that the root cause is hormonal.
Changes in Libido
Fluctuating hormone levels can also impact your sex drive during perimenopause. Some women may experience a decrease in libido, while others may have an increase in sexual desire. Open communication with your partner and healthcare providers can help address any concerns and find suitable solutions.
Fatigue and Low Energy
Feeling fatigued and experiencing low energy levels is a common symptom of perimenopause. Hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, and the physical and emotional toll of menopausal symptoms can also contribute to fatigue. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and ensuring adequate rest can help combat fatigue, as well as improve symptom outlook for the menopause.
Weight Gain and Metabolism Changes
Many women notice shifts in their body composition and metabolism during perimenopause. Hormonal changes can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Slower metabolism and changes in fat distribution may require adjustments to your diet and exercise routine to maintain a healthy weight. Unfortunately, following the menopause weight loss is much more difficult for women. Solutions like medical weight loss programmes are beneficial when diet and exercise alone are not seeing results.
Can You Treat Perimenopause?
While perimenopause is a natural process, the symptoms can be debilitating for some women. Luckily, there are treatment options available to manage its symptoms and improve your quality of life. The best way to effectively eradicate the difficult symptoms of the perimenopause is through lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy.
It’s important to note, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most suitable approach for you based on your medical history and your symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT involves supplementing the declining hormones in your body with synthetic hormones in the form of prescription gels, creams, patches, or injections. Estrogen and progesterone therapy are the most common forms of HRT, others include Testosterone and DHEA, however due to long wait lists in the UK’s national health services, it can be difficult to attain from GPs.
Luckily, specialist wellness clinics like us here at Bodyline offer prescription services for a personalised HRT treatment for anyone who believes they are going through the perimenopause or the menopause. Rather than the one-size-fits-all approach, we offer tailored treatment programmes to target specific hormone deficiencies directly. When targeting specific hormones and symptoms, HRT is an extremely effective way to treat perimenopause and its signs.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making certain lifestyle modifications can help alleviate perimenopausal symptoms. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep are essential for overall well-being during this transition. Avoiding triggers such as caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes.
One large study showed that postmenopausal women who lost 10% of their body weight were more likely to eradicate their hot flashes and night sweats than those who did not lose this weight, so maintaining or reaching a moderate weight is a great way to see the signs of perimenopause decrease.
Bodyline’s M Plan for Targeting the Signs of Perimenopause
Bodyline’s M Plan is a comprehensive medical wellness program designed to support women during perimenopause. The M Plan is a bespoke HRT treatment programme that offers personalized guidance and ongoing support to manage perimenopausal symptoms effectively. Here’s how the M Plan can help target the signs of perimenopause:
Expert Guidance and Support
With the M Plan, you have access to specialised menopause nurses; professionals who understand the complexities of perimenopause. They will provide personalized guidance, addressing your specific symptoms and concerns. The M Plan ensures that you receive the support you need throughout your perimenopause journey.
Hormone Assessment and Treatment
The M Plan includes hormone assessment through blood tests, allowing the specialist menopause clinical to evaluate your hormonal levels accurately. Based on the results, a personalized treatment plan can be developed, which will include prescriptions of the appropriate hormone replacement therapies and supplements. We offer estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 in our personalised treatments which are titrated to your levels.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
Perimenopause is a dynamic process, and your symptoms may change over time. With the M Plan, you’ll have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, evaluate any side effects, symptom frequency, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan so we can make any necessary adjustments. This ensures that your treatment remains optimal as you navigate perimenopause.
Perimenopause brings a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration. Understanding the signs and available treatment options is crucial for managing this transition effectively. With Bodyline’s M Plan and the support of healthcare professionals, you can target the signs of perimenopause and navigate this phase with confidence and well-being.
If you’re looking for personalized support and guidance on managing perimenopause, contact Bodyline today at 0800 995 6036 or fill in our online contact form for a call back.
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