The Top 10 Symptoms of Perimenopause

A woman going through perimenopause will experience several physical and emotional changes. Some women start experiencing these symptoms as early as their 30's, while others won't experience them until after age 40. Certain telltale signs can help you determine if you or someone you know is going through this transition stage in life. In this article, we will go over the top 10 symptoms of perimenopause so that you can better understand what your body may be trying to tell you.

1. Hot Flashes And Night Sweats

One of the most common symptoms of perimenopause is hot flashes, which can occur at any time during a woman's cycle. These are usually accompanied by night sweats that interrupt sleep and may cause women to change their bedding several times a night or take a shower before going to bed.  In addition to disrupting sleep, excessive sweating in this manner can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances as well as exacerbate an already uncomfortable situation.  

2. Slowed Metabolism And Weight Gain

Symptoms of perimenopause are pretty similar to those associated with menopause, but the body isn’t losing anything, it is regaining. When estrogen levels start dropping and progesterone begins its increase, women might find themselves gaining weight and having trouble staying on a diet or even getting up in the morning.  

3. Depression, Anxiety, And Mood Swings

Symptoms of perimenopause can be difficult to deal with, especially when they are accompanied by depression and anxiety. It is normal for a woman in her 40s or 50s to have some mood swings but if it becomes more than that, you should talk to a doctor about what medications might work best. Depression during perimenopause is also common because the hormone fluctuations may lead to feelings of irritability and sadness even though things aren’t typically going wrong in life. Sometimes women feel so bad during different stages of their cycle due to this fluctuation since hormones play such an important role in affecting your mood as well as brain function.

4. Insomnia And Sleep Disruptions

Insomnia and sleep disruptions are common symptoms of perimenopause. Getting quality rest can be difficult when your body is changing in such a major way, especially with the disruption to hormones. Many individuals report waking up multiple times throughout the night or never being able to fall asleep at all during their transition into menopause.

5. Hair Loss And Brittle Nails

One of the signs is that perimenopause is on its way for many women. It can often be shocking to see your hair start thinning or worse, falling out. Many women complain about their nails becoming very brittle and dry during perimenopause as well. This can lead to split ends in your hair but also fragile nails that break easily too.

6. Changes In Sexual Function

Symptoms of perimenopause can cause a woman to suffer from sexual dysfunction, such as anorgasmia. Anorgasmia is the inability to achieve orgasm despite adequate stimulation and arousal. This may be due to hormonal changes that affect blood flow in the pelvis which causes vaginal dryness. Vaginal lubrication decreases during menopausal transition especially if estrogen levels are low, causing discomfort or pain with intercourse for some women who have never had problems before, this is known as dyspareunia (or painful sex). Another symptom of decreased vaginal lubrication is increased urinary tract infections because urine remains in contact with the skin surrounding the opening of the bladder longer than usual, increasing the likelihood of bacterial growth. 

7. Bone Loss And Osteoporosis Risk

Bone loss is one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause, and osteoporosis risk continues to increase as women age. Many older women experience an accelerated rate of bone density loss during menopause due to lower estrogen levels. The rate at which bones can be strengthened is also affected by genetics.

8. Dry Skin And Other Skin Problems

Skin problems are very common during perimenopause. The skin changes due to hormonal fluctuations, which can cause it to be dry and irritated. This is also exacerbated by the fact that some women experience hot flashes or night sweats, so they tend not to sleep well at night. Always remember that drinking plenty of fluids will help maintain hydration within the cells of your skin tissues. As always, things like sun exposure must be avoided since this will contribute to premature aging.

9. Dry Eyes And Dry Mouth

There are numerous symptoms of perimenopause, but one that is particularly annoying during this time is dry eyes and mouth. Dryness can lead to a red or burning sensation in the eyes along with increased tear formation. There may also be an increase in mucus secretion throughout the body including nose, throat, vagina, and rectum. This causes a constant need to clear your throat as well as discomfort when urinating which makes it difficult for you to empty, thus leaving residual urine remaining inside leading to urinary tract infections (UTI). The whole experience is very unpleasant and takes away from enjoying life. Addressing early on can make all the difference between feeling great at 50+ and not so good which will only get worse over time if left untreated.

10. Memory Issues And Problems With Concentration

Symptoms of perimenopause can include memory issues and problems with concentration. As estrogen levels decrease, women often experience short-term memory loss, or their ability to remember certain things becomes impaired. Problems concentrating are also common during this stage in a woman's life due to the changes that take place in her brain chemistry.

If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, we can help. We have a team of experts waiting to give you the care and attention that your mind and body need during this difficult time. Call us today for an appointment to learn more about how we can help.