Is This Perimenopause?
“How do I know if I’m in perimenopause?” This is one of the most frequent questions I’m asked. For many of us, it doesn’t even occur that we might be entering that time in life. We don’t feel “old enough” or aren’t having the telltale hot flush as a possible clue to beginning the menopause journey. This was certainly true for me!
photo credit: sherise van dyk/unsplash
Reflecting back and knowing what I know now, I’m certain that I was having menopausal symptoms and just wasn’t connecting the dots. The symptoms are many and they can differ in timing and intensity for each person–this is part of what makes it so hard to know if perimenopause is here.
While the classic hot flush might be the most recognizable and openly discussed symptom, it’s far from the only one. Perimenopause can manifest in a myriad of ways, often disguised as everyday stress or aging–below are common symptoms that may provide insight that it may have begun:
Brain fog: Forget where you put your keys? Can’t remember a simple word? It might be perimenopause messing with your mental clarity.
Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, from impatient to tearful to full-on fiery (a roller coaster without the thrills!).
Physical aches, pains and other sensations: Joint pain, muscle aches, body tingles, and fatigue can creep in or persist, making daily activities feel like a chore.
Sleep disruptions: Hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, and/or insomnia can turn peaceful nights into restless ones (and for added fun, hot flushes and anxiety episodes can happen during the day as well–whoopee...!).
Vaginal and sexual health: Varying menstrual cycle length and period flow, vaginal dryness, and lower libido can impact you and your romantic relationships.
Weight gain: Feel like you can’t stop the ever-increasing scale number? Metabolism changes can increase weight and shift fat storage that your usual nutrition and exercise no longer address.
Headaches: More frequent or new onset headaches and migraines can cause additional health complications and combat resilience.
Skin changes: Dry skin, acne and other skin issues can be a frustrating side effect–like puberty all over again.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to listen to your body–don’t dismiss them as “just getting older” and miss the clues they are trying to provide. By understanding the signs and taking proactive steps, you can anticipate and navigate this transition with increased grace and ease. When the symptoms come calling, you have options:
Talk to your doctor: Share your symptoms with your healthcare provider to discuss potential treatment options and lifestyle changes; find a different doctor if yours is not receptive to or knowledgeable about menopause and related experiences or solutions.
Talk to your friends, family members, and your partner: Describe how you’re feeling, what you are experiencing, and how they can help, such as: “Please be patient, sometimes I’m not finding words as quickly as I’d like” or, “These days my mood can flip without me noticing–please tell me if I’m coming across differently than usual”.
Lean into the 5 Menopause Mainstays (little changes make big impacts!):
Mindfulness: practice stress-reduction techniques
Rest: ensure adequate down-time and sleep
Connection: reach out to others to build community reinforce purpose
Nutrition: eat a balanced diet prioritizing protein and fiber, stay hydrated
Exercise: regularly engage in moderate cardio, strength training, and yoga/stretching
I had mood swings, weight gain and anxiety episodes, none of which were common for me earlier in life. I didn’t equate these to perimenopause and, instead, chalked it up to being too busy, overly stressed, or making unhealthy food and exercise choices. Had I understood the message my body was sending me, I could have made changes earlier to better manage the impacts, including advocating differently and giving myself a bit more grace.
Now that you know what to look for, how will you approach your 40’s (or earlier, for some!)?
photo credit: sophie janotta/pixabay
Will you pause to tune in and listen?
Will you be vulnerable and ask others how they experience you?
Will you speak up kindly if you notice symptoms in others?
Will you create and follow a plan that meets your needs at this time of your life?
Menopause will happen for all cisgender women and at least a few symptoms are likely for most of us (some lucky ones will move through symptom-free!). Being aware and talking about it with curiosity and respect are some of the best first steps we can take to making it more manageable and less taboo. Lean into your Menopausability and remember you’re not alone. By embracing this phase of life with openness and self-compassion, you can emerge stronger, healthier, and more empowered.
