Experiencing pesky perimenopause symptoms? Here's what you should be aware of.
Perimenopause, a transitional phase leading up to menopause, is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. This article aims to shed light on common symptoms, their causes, and potential management strategies.
The severity of perimenopause symptoms is primarily influenced by fluctuating and declining hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes affect various body systems, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and memory issues. Research suggests that higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone (s.FSH) levels correlate with more severe vasomotor and urogenital symptoms, reflecting ovarian function decline.
Women who experience bothersome hot flashes and menstrual changes tend to experience more severe symptoms overall, including poor memory and mood disturbances. Psychological and social factors also play a role. A history of depression, postpartum depression, severe vasomotor symptoms, recent stressors, and poor physical health increase the risk of severe mood and anxiety disorders during perimenopause.
Lifestyle and health status also contribute to symptom severity. Maintaining a healthy weight and good nutrition (high in calcium and vitamin D, low in sugar and caffeine) may reduce symptom frequency and intensity. Sleep disruption from night sweats amplifies emotional symptoms and fatigue.
Common symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep difficulties, fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive challenges such as brain fog.
Regarding duration, perimenopause symptoms typically last about 7 years, though this can vary widely with some women experiencing symptoms for shorter or longer periods. Symptoms tend to intensify 1 to 2 years before menopause and often persist beyond menopause itself.
It's important to note that certain demographic groups may experience more severe perimenopause symptoms. Research suggests that Black women in the United States may experience more and longer hot flashes during perimenopause compared to Asian, Hispanic, and white women. Some of these disparities may be due to systemic racism.
If you are experiencing severe perimenopause symptoms, it's crucial to speak with a doctor for help and advice. Self-care measures such as stopping smoking, avoiding hot flash triggers, maintaining a moderate weight, getting regular exercise or physical activity, eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, getting enough rest and sleep, and practicing self-care for managing symptoms may help. However, if self-care does not reduce the symptoms, speaking with a doctor for further support is advisable.
The North American Menopause Society has a search tool for finding menopause specialists by zip code, which can be a valuable resource for those seeking professional help.
In summary, understanding the causes and potential management strategies for perimenopause symptoms can empower individuals to take control of their health during this transitional phase. If you are experiencing symptoms, it's essential to speak with a healthcare provider for personalised advice and support.
References:
[1] The North American Menopause Society. (2020). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Menopause: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105(10), e3725–e3802.
[2] The North American Menopause Society. (2017). Position Statement: The Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Menopause, 24(8), 733–745.
[3] The North American Menopause Society. (2012). Position Statement: The Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Changes. Menopause, 19(6), 657–664.
[4] The North American Menopause Society. (2011). Position Statement: The Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. Menopause, 18(10), 1063–1072.
[5] Freeman, E. W., et al. (2015). Perimenopause: Clinical Report on Quality of Care in Reproductive Health Care for Adolescents and Adults. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 126(5), 1242–1259.
- The fluctuations and declines in estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- Higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone (s.FSH) levels can indicate more severe vasomotor and urogenital symptoms due to ovarian function decline.
- Women with bothersome hot flashes and menstrual changes often experience more severe symptoms overall, including poor memory and mood disturbances, with psychological and social factors contributing to the severity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, good nutrition, adequate sleep, reducing stress, and practicing self-care may help reduce the frequency and intensity of perimenopause symptoms.
- Black women in the United States may experience more and longer hot flashes during perimenopause compared to other ethnic groups, with some of these disparities potentially due to systemic racism.
- If perimenopause symptoms are severe, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and support, as self-care measures may not be sufficient to alleviate the symptoms.