Perimenopause means “around menopause”, and refers to the period during which your ovaries gradually stop producing eggs. This transition period can last anywhere between 4 to 10 years, and is different from menopause – a milestone reached when you have not had your periods for a whole year. Every woman will go through perimenopause and experience this complex rite of passage themselves. While the term ‘menopause’ is at least familiar, many women have never even heard of perimenopause, or do not understand what it entails. So how do you know when you are in perimenopause? Here are four key signs of perimenopause.
Are you over 40?
Your age in itself is an indicator of where you are in your body’s journey – specifically your reproductive organs and hormones. As your ovaries start ramping down their functions, your hormones are disrupted and lead to a host of signs and symptoms. Most women will start seeing this transition in their 40s. The average age of menopause in Indian women is around 45 years. But some women may experience ‘early menopause’ – starting as young as 35.
Changes in your period cycles?
If you’re over 40, changes in your periods will most likely be the first obvious indicator that you are headed towards perimenopause. Most women will see slight changes in their menstrual cycles quite early on. For instance, their cycles may become shorter or longer. Irregular periods, missed periods, or changes in the degree of bleeding are all early indicators of perimenopause.
Changes in your weight or body shape?
Is it getting harder to stay in your normal weight range? Are you gaining weight especially around your belly? The hormonal changes in perimenopause increase the risk of weight gain, especially around the abdomen. Women also tend to lose more muscle mass at this stage. It is quite common for women start to notice some of these physical changes in their body during perimenopause.
Feeling unusually tired?
More than 95% of women report feeling tiredness or fatigue at some point during their perimenopause transition. If you are otherwise fit & healthy, but have started feeling worn-out and exhausted lately, it could be the hormones. As estrogen & progesterone levels decline, they have a domino effect on other hormones like the adrenal and thyroid hormones, which regulate your body’s energy. This hormonal imbalance leads to fatigue. It also effects your sleep – you are not sleeping well or keep being awoken by symptoms like hot flashes. All of this can make you feel extra tired during the day.
So, does it sound like you might be in perimenopause? First, congratulations! You are on your way to another milestone in your life. But if your symptoms are severe, it can be a difficult journey. At-home self-care, a healthy routine of diet and exercise as well as medical treatments can all help you through it! Get in touch with us at Adrita for a complete menopause assessment and personalise care.