Did you know that 9/10 women don’t recognise their symptoms are associated with the perimenopause?
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period into menopause when periods become irregular but haven’t stopped. 47 is the average age to enter perimenopause and, while you may experience symptoms, you can still get pregnant.
What are the main perimenopause symptoms?
The signs of perimenopause can include:
- Period changes, including heavy bleeding
- Sleeping problems
- Hot flushes
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- Low mood
- Night sweats
- Joint aches
- Stress
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Sexual health issues, including a loss of sex drive
- Headaches
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary changes
- Skin changes
- Painful sex
It is important to remember that no two women’s perimenopause symptoms are the same. Often the first step to managing the signs of perimenopausal is to understand if that they are caused by fluctuating female hormones.
Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, symptoms can be attributed to lifestyle choices, stress, anxiety, depression and aging. This has resulted in millions of women around the world suffering perimenopause symptoms in silence and isolation, with little to no support.
When do the signs of perimenopause start?
It is difficult to accurately predict when you will start to experience perimenopause symptoms because it usually starts two to ten years before your periods stop.
If you started your period at an early age, it’s likely that you have a greater number of egg precursors in the ovaries. As a result, you’ll tend to menstruate for longer and notice the signs of perimenopause later than most.
What treatments are available for the symptoms of perimenopause?
We offer a range of treatments for the symptoms of perimenopause, from the Mirena Coil which can help with heavy and irregular bleeding to MonaLisa Touch®, a non-surgical laser treatment for the symptoms of vaginal atrophy - the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls.
Help for the signs of perimenopause
Our female private GPs can discuss the signs of perimenopause with you. Getting fast access to a face-to-face private GP appointment at Benenden Hospital has never been easier. You can book online, via Livechat or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.
Depending on the severity of your perimenopause symptoms, they may be able to treat you or refer you to one of our Consultant Gynaecologists.
Published on 19 April 2023