Signs of perimenopause. How do I know that I'm in the perimenopause

Signs of Menopause - Is it Already Here?

Menopause is a topic that can unsettle many individuals due to the physical and emotional changes it brings. It is a transitional period during which the body undergoes hormonal changes that can affect the entire organism. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, dry skin, and vaginal dryness are just a few of the possible symptoms.

What Can Be Early Signs of Menopause?

Often, the first signs appear gradually and may not immediately be attributed to menopause but could also be related to stress at work or in the family.

Irregular Periods: Irregular menstrual bleeding is usually one of the first signs of the onset of menopause. The nature of these irregularities can vary greatly: spotting, heavy bleeding, dark blood, long or short cycles, or missed periods. Menopause officially begins 12 months after the last menstrual period.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: These are among the most well-known symptoms of menopause and are commonly experienced. Hot flashes are sudden, intense feelings of heat in the face, neck, and upper body, which may be accompanied by sweating.

Loss of Libido: During perimenopause, a lack of sexual hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone, can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. There are possibilities to enhance sexual desire through lifestyle adjustments.

Vaginal Dryness: Low estrogen levels reduce blood flow to the vagina, which can lead to dryness and atrophy of the vaginal tissue.

Mental Symptoms of Menopause

Hormonal fluctuations can also impact the psyche and emotions.

Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood and lead to mood swings. You might feel great one day and sad or irritable the next.

Sleep Disturbances: Sleep problems are common during menopause, ranging from difficulty falling asleep to restlessness and night sweats.

Restlessness and Anxiety: The hormonal changes during menopause can lead to varying degrees of anxiety, from latent anxiousness to panic attacks. Elevated stress levels or genetic predisposition can also trigger anxiety.

Depression: Some people feel exhausted and depressed during menopause. If an episode lasts for an extended period, it is important to seek medical advice and check hormone levels.

Memory and Concentration Issues: It is not uncommon to forget things or become easily distracted during menopause.

Physical Symptoms of Menopause

Physically, you might notice some changes compared to earlier years that are related to menopause. These include:

Dry Skin: Hormonal changes can cause the skin to become thinner, lose elasticity, and become drier.

Weight Gain: Estrogen plays a significant role in regulating body weight, so weight gain can occur during menopause.

Changes in Breast Tissue: Lumps can develop in the breast tissue. Additionally, breasts may feel tender, become more sensitive, and experience pain.

Hair Loss and Facial Hair: The hair growth phase shortens and hair growth slows, which can result in thinner hair. On the other hand, testosterone can lead to increased facial hair growth.

Overall: Menopause is a completely normal phase in life. Many people use this time to realign themselves, improve their body awareness, and focus more on their health. You can seek support and receive holistic advice from menopause experts.

Confused by all the technical terms? Find more information under “Menopause – What is it Actually?” where we explain in detail what happens in each phase