When women approach their late 30s or early 40s, they need to prepare themselves; mentally and physically as they are about to enter an intimidating and unchartered territory known as Menopause. At this juncture, it is important to understand that Menopause isn't a one-off thing but a series of signs and symptoms that ultimately culminate into stoppage of a woman’s period cycles.
These series and symptoms can be divided into three stages known as perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. In this blog, we shall explore symptoms of perimenopause and effective ways of dealing with these symptoms.
28 Symptoms Of Perimenopause
We have put together a list of 25+ signs that could be alluding to the onset of perimenopause:
1. Acne:
This is a common symptom of perimenopause. You might experience breakouts and flare-ups at the slightest of triggers. 2. Weight Gain:
Unsubstantiated weight gain is also one of the most common signs of perimenopause. 3. Change In Your Menstrual Flow:
If your periods become heavier or lighter than usual, it could be a sign of perimenopause. 4. Breast Size Changes:
Perimenopause can also cause changes in your breast size. 5. Hot Flashes:
This is also a very common symptom of Perimenopause. The intensity of these hot flashes can vary for different women. 6. Insomnia:
Many women complain of sleep issues during the period leading up to menopause. 7. Allergies:
Women might develop allergies to some foods, medicines or even smells. 8. Brain Fog:
This perimenopausal symptom refers to a state where a person finds it difficult to recall people, places or incidents. 9. Decreased Libido:
Perimenopause can also cause women to have a lower sex drive or even an aversion to sex in some cases. 10. Anxiety:
Anxiety is a very common peri-menopausal symptom and women need to acquaint themselves and their families with the fact that they need to navigate this phase in solidarity. 11. Bloating:
Many women experience increased instances of salt retention and post-meal bloating during the perimenopausal phase. 12. Incontinence:
Out of all the symptoms of perimenopause, this is kind of dreaded by all. At times, one loses their ability to restrain their urine during this phase, however, the situation gets better with time and the right medical support and guidance. 13. Cravings:
In the period leading up to menopause, women might experience cravings for sweet, savoury or spicy things. 14. Vaginal Dryness:
Many women experience dryness in the vaginal area due to lack of natural lubrication. This can cause pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. 15. Night Sweats:
A woman might experience hot flashes at night. This exhibits itself in the form of excessive sweating while you are sleeping. Consequently, your sleep cycle also gets disturbed. 16. Changes In Mood:
There can be many mood swings such as anxiety, irritability, moodiness, too much happiness or sadness. Unsubstantiated changes in moods are a common symptom of perimenopause. 17. Insomnia:
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns. 18. Unexplained Fatigue:
Getting tired very easily and lacking the energy to participate in routine activities usually occurs during the perimenopausal period. 19. Headaches:
A woman might experience intense headaches that might appear with or without any external aggression. 20. Hair Loss:
There might be a receding hairline during this stage. 21. Skin Dryness:
The skin’s natural moisture levels might plummet and give way to dryness, itching and flaking. 22. Body Odor:
A woman’s natural scent might also change during this time. 23. Elevated PMS Symptoms:
The PMS symptoms might become aggressive which can result in more bloating, mood swings, cramps etc. 24. Pain In The Joints:
Hormonal changes can cause pain in the joints which may or may not get aggravated by exertion. 25. Depression:
Depression can be caused by a wide range of factors but hormonal changes during perimenopause definitely top that list. It accounts for feelings of prolonged sadness and unexplained bouts of crying. 26. Increased irritability:
Heightened sensitivity to stimuli and a tendency to become easily annoyed. 27. Difference In Your Bowel Habits:
This is also a common perimenopausal symptom where a woman’s bowel movements tend to change. 28. Bone Density:
There can be a loss in bone density during this phase, which can increase the possibility of developing Osteoporosis.
How To Deal With Perimenopause Symptoms?
When we talk about signs of perimenopause we have to realise that there is a lot of ambiguity and fear attributed to them. Therefore, the idea of dealing with perimenopause symptoms requires a holistic approach that hinges on medical and emotional support. We have listed some effective ways of dealing with different signs of perimenopause:
Talk To A Specialist
It is always advisable to seek expert guidance while dealing with perimenopausal symptoms. You can visit your ob-gyn and talk in detail about your symptoms. Not only will she/he take cognisance of your symptoms but also offer effective solutions that will properly address and alleviate your struggles. At Menoveda, we have a team of specialised doctors where you can get support and guidance about your symptoms.
Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda has nurtured in its wake time-tested remedies for managing the symptoms of menopause. You can visit Menoveda and figure out the most befitting Ayurvedic menopause supplements that can provide symptomatic relief.
Lifestyle Changes
To manage symptoms of perimenopause, you will have to pay attention to your dietary regime and workout routine. All this will work in synergy to endow you with the necessary strength to endure this phase in a strong and graceful manner.
Communicate With Your Friends And Family
It is always a great idea to apprise your family and close friends of your situation and rely on them for understanding and support. Having said that, it is important to only talk to people who give you a safe and non-judgmental environment to express yourself. Talking to the right people is very important as you are allowing someone to handhold you through one of the most vulnerable phases of your life.
Perimenopause and menopause are riddled with so many symptoms and changes, that it is very difficult to quantify the kind of impact they can have on a woman’s physical, mental and emotional health. When a woman is well-informed about the magnitude of this change, she can arm herself with the necessary medicinal and moral support to brave through this phase. Unawareness or negligence about the same can leave a lasting impact on a woman’s health and she might have to witness an escalation of these symptoms into something more profound. We hope that the above-mentioned signs of perimenopause will help you identify them in yourself or if anyone in your friends or family is experiencing them. Acknowledgement of the symptoms will propel you onto a wellness journey that is both enriching and restorative for your overall well-being and whenever you are ready to seek support, Menoveda will always be there for you.
