Perimenopause catches many women off guard. The transition phase before menopause typically starts in the 40s; however, it can initiate as early as the mid-30s or as late as the early 50s. During this time, your body gradually produces less estrogen, triggering a range of symptoms that often seem unrelated.
At Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, Farly Sejour, MD, FACOG, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, along with our team, help women recognize perimenopause symptoms and find relief from this natural transition. Below, we’ve outlined telltale signs of perimenopause.
Period irregularity is often the first clue of perimenopause. Your previously predictable cycle can become unpredictable as hormone levels fluctuate.
Your periods might:
Some women experience flooding — suddenly heavy bleeding that soaks through feminine products, like pads and tampons, in an hour or less. Others notice their periods become so light that they barely need protection.
During perimenopause, hot flashes affect up to 80% of women. The sudden, intense heat spreads through your upper body and face, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Episodes last anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes.
Night sweats are hot flashes that happen while you sleep, waking you up soaked in sweat. The sleep disruption often causes more problems than the sweating itself, leading to daytime fatigue and mood changes.
Even without night sweats, falling asleep and staying asleep become harder during perimenopause. Changes in hormone levels disrupt your typical sleep patterns, leaving you tired despite spending enough time in bed.
Poor sleep compounds other perimenopausal symptoms, making mood swings worse and reducing your ability to manage stress.
Estrogen affects brain chemicals that regulate mood, so declining levels can trigger irritability, anxiety, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
Declining estrogen affects the vaginal tissues, causing dryness that makes sex uncomfortable or painful. The vaginal lining becomes thinner and less elastic, resulting in less natural lubrication. This phase happens gradually for most women, but it can feel sudden and frustrating.
Some women gain weight, particularly around their midsection, even without changing their eating or exercise habits. Others notice their metabolism slowing down, making it harder to maintain their usual weight.
Your skin becomes drier and thinner as estrogen levels drop. Joints and muscles ache more than they used to, even if you haven’t increased your activity level or changed your routine.
At Solace Women’s Care, we recognize that perimenopause affects every woman differently. Our team creates treatment plans that address your specific symptoms, fitting your health history and preferences.
Call our Conroe office at 936-441-7100 or message us online to schedule your appointment with our team today.
