Perimenopause is the stage before your last period, when hormone levels start to swing. For most women in India it begins in the early to mid 40s and can last four to eight years. Many women don't realise their symptoms are hormonal, so they're often put down to stress or "just age".
The 10 most common signs
- Changes in your periods. Cycles become shorter, longer or irregular, and bleeding may be heavier or lighter.
- Hot flushes and night sweats. Sudden waves of heat, often with sweating and a racing heart.
- Poor sleep. Trouble falling asleep, waking at 3 or 4 am, or waking up tired.
- Mood changes. Irritability, anxiety, tearfulness or low mood, sometimes worse before a period.
- Brain fog. Forgetting words, losing focus or feeling less sharp at work.
- Weight gain around the belly. Even without eating more.
- Joint and muscle aches. Stiffness in the morning, or sore shoulders and knees.
- Breast tenderness. Caused by estrogen swings.
- Lower libido and vaginal dryness. Sex may become uncomfortable.
- Headaches or migraines that change pattern or get worse around periods.
Do I need a blood test?
Usually not. Hormone levels go up and down from day to day in perimenopause, so a single test can be misleading. Diagnosis is mostly based on your age, periods and symptoms. Your doctor may still check thyroid, blood count, sugar and vitamin D, because these can cause similar symptoms.
When to see a gynaecologist
- Symptoms are affecting your sleep, work or relationships
- Periods are very heavy, last longer than 8 days, or you bleed between periods
- Your periods stopped before age 40
- You'd like to know whether HRT is an option for you
Perimenopause is treatable. Lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medicines and HRT can all help, depending on your needs.
This article is general information and not a substitute for a medical consultation.