14 December 2023
What’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Despite the confusion many women feel when reading about perimenopause and menopause, the two terms describe distinct life stages. Perimenopause can last about ten years, sometimes starting in your mid-30s or earlier and includes the years right up to the last menstrual period. Menopause is when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months; it is the start of postmenopause.
What should I expect during perimenopause and menopause?
The perimenopause is certainly the most unstable phase due to the hormones fluctuating erratically, and as a consequence many women experience irregular cycles along with worsening premenstrual symptoms that may aggravate anxiety and depression. Sleep quality can become poor, with difficulties falling asleep and/or keeping asleep. Low sex drive and vaginal dryness can severely impact both self-esteem and relationships. Many women experience hot flashes or night sweats, which can often last a few years. Forgetfulness and poor concentration are common symptoms caused by the drop in hormones. Difficulties keeping a healthy weight are extremely common in perimenopause and are also due to the lack of hormones affecting how our metabolism works. Once you have reached menopause, the hormones will stop fluctuating, so there are often fewer symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. However, the decreased estrogen levels that accompany postmenopause increases the chance for a number of health concerns, including low bone density and heart disease.
I feel anxious about seeing my GP or Specialist, can I just wait for the symptoms to go away?
Many symptoms that women feel are due to perimenopause are actually caused by underlying health conditions. Once other health conditions have been ruled out, your symptoms can be treated effectively via a variety of options that can be non-hormonal or hormonal. Treating perimenopause early on is key to prevent the development of heart disease, dementia and low bone density. It is truly important that you don’t keep any persistent symptoms to yourself, as speaking to your GP or your Gynaecologist will help understand whether you need specific blood tests to check your health. The earlier these symptoms are investigated the quicker you can regain your wellbeing and protect your health.