Understanding Perimenopause: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been noticing some changes in your body lately, you might be entering perimenopause. Depending on how old you are in life, perimenopause is a stage that leads up to menopause and while it’s a natural part of life, it can be super confusing if you’re not sure what to expect. 

Understanding what’s happening during this phase can help you to cope with the changes going on in your body, from the mood swings, the irregular cycles, or the cramps but no period. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

What is it?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase occurring before menopause. Usually, this starts in your 40s, but it can also begin in your 30s for some. This is a time of life that can last anywhere from a few months to several years, and your body undergoes various hormonal changes. 

The biggest change is a drop in oestrogen levels, which leads to the end of your menstrual cycles and eventually menopause. The catch? The signs of perimenopause can vary greatly from woman to woman, so there’s no real way to know exactly what it is unless you speak to your doctor.

Common symptoms.

If you’re experiencing cramps but no period, you’re not alone. Many women do report this as a symptom of minute perimenopause, since your hormones are fluctuating up and down. You may still have some of the typical period-related cramps, but without the actual bleeding. 

This can be frustrating, confusing, and it can throw your calendar out of whack. It is a common occurrence during this phase, though, as your body tries to adjust to the hormonal changes it’s experiencing. In addition to this, there are other changes that are common during perimenopause. You may notice shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter periods, or you might skip periods entirely. These irregularities can make it very difficult to know when your period will show up or if it will happen at all.

Other common symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, sleep problems, and even dryness. As oestrogen levels decline, you may experience discomfort during sex and dryness which can be a little awkward but is manageable.

Riding the transition.

There can be some uncomfortable symptoms along the way, there are plenty of ways that you can manage them. Those undergoing perimenopause do well when they stay active with regular exercise and they practice stress management. With meditation, deep breathing exercise, and relaxation techniques, you can balance out the emotional fluctuations. It also helps that you understand that eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and veggies will really help. The right balance of nutrients will make all the difference to how you feel.

 Perimenopause is a natural but sometimes confusing part of life. Even if you don’t come into it until you’re in your 40s, it’s going to hit at some stage before you go through full menopause. Understanding what’s happening to your body can take away some of the anxiety of what’s ahead.