Perimenopause: definition, symptoms and solutions by D-LAB
Publié le 02-07-2024 et mis à jour le 02-10-2024
Menopause and Perimenopause: what are the different changes that occur in the cycle, when and why?
Important information:
- Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles. The average age of menopause is 51, although various factors like ethnicity, behavior and environment can influence this timing.
- Perimenopause is the phase that occurs around menopause. It is also the transition that precedes menopause. The first changes in the menstrual cycle appear on average four years before menopause, although this is not universal.
- The unpleasant effects of perimenopause can be alleviated by making lifestyle changes, taking hormone therapy, or taking hormone-free menopause supplements .
Summary
I. What is menopause? II. What is perimenopause? III. The importance of understanding perimenopause IV. The first signs and average age of perimenopause V. Symptoms and signs: physical and emotional changes VI. Menopause treatments: how to manage the symptoms? VII. When to consult a health professional? Discover the range
I. What is menopause?
Menopause is the end of menstrual cycles, making pregnancy impossible.
The term "menopause" comes from the Greek "men" (month) and "pausis" (stop). This is a unique experience for humans, one of the few species to experience this transition.
For some people, it represents both an end and a new beginning. Menopause can bring significant changes, but for others, it is barely noticeable. The effects of menopause are different for every woman.
It can also be induced by surgery or drug treatment. In general, menopause is diagnosed after a 12 month absence of periods by a healthcare professional.
This natural phenomenon generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but individual variations exist. Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping. Understanding this phase helps you prepare better and go through this transition calmly, taking appropriate measures to alleviate discomfort.
II. What is perimenopause?
1. Definition
Perimenopause is the period of transition to menopause (the prefix "peri" means "around" in Greek). It marks the beginning of hormonal changes that lead to the end of menstrual cycles. This phase precedes menopause and is characterized by significant variations in estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. Interpretation
Many are unfamiliar with this term and confuse it with menopause itself. It is crucial to distinguish this phase to better understand the symptoms and the changes that occur.
3. Distinction with premenopause
Perimenopause can last from a few months to 8 years, on average 4 to 5 years. Unlike premenopause, where menstrual cycles are still regular, this period is marked by increasing irregularity of cycles.
During this phase, hormonal levels fluctuate before decreasing, causing various symptoms . This period is experienced differently depending on individuals and cultures. There are many solutions to better experience your menstrual cycle during this period.
4. Impact on quality of life
Hormonal changes can significantly affect quality of life, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood fluctuations. Understanding and managing this phase is essential to improving overall well-being.
III. The importance of understanding perimenopause
Every woman and person with a cycle will experience these natural stages of aging.
Despite this, they are often poorly represented in culture and research. This leads to general misunderstanding and preconceived ideas which can complicate the management of this transition.
Knowing the different possible changes helps to recognize this transition and to better prepare for it, both physically and emotionally.
Additionally, fertility disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis can occur during this time, making it important to differentiate the symptoms of perimenopause from those of other problems.
Furthermore, a good understanding allows us to better choose solutions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
IV. The first signs and average age of perimenopause
It is difficult to determine exactly when perimenopause begins.
One study found that menstrual cycle irregularities appear on average around age 47 or 48.
However, this may vary. About one in three women reporting irregular cycles at age 45, and nearly one in ten still having regular periods at age 52.
Significant hormonal changes begin to manifest during this transition phase. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping. It is common to notice a variation in the abundance and duration of periods, which can be an important warning sign.
Menopause occurs on average at age 51, between 45 and 55 years old. Approximately 4 in 10 women are menopausal at age 50, and 9 in 10 at 55.
Menopause is called “early” before the age of 45 and “premature” before the age of 40. The latter is also called premature ovarian failure and affects approximately 1% of women.
1. Duration
Perimenopause, the transition phase towards menopause, lasts on average 4 years, but can vary from a few months to 8 years.
About one in ten people may experience a quicker transition with fewer symptoms like hot flashes.
2. Factors influencing the age of menopause
- Smoking: Yes, it can speed it up.
- Hormonal contraception: Perhaps, although the studies are mixed.
- Hereditary, environmental and lifestyle factors: Influence the experience of perimenopause and menopause. People who menopause later generally have a shorter transition. Those who smoke tend to experience perimenopause and menopause earlier by about a year.
3. Early
Early menopause, occurring before age 45, can be influenced by genetic factors, medical treatments or specific health conditions.
4. Signs to watch for in women
Signs to watch for include menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. These symptoms may indicate the start of perimenopause.
It's also important to note less common but significant symptoms, such as joint pain, unexplained weight gain, and increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections. These manifestations can often be confused with other medical conditions, making understanding and identifying this phase even more crucial.
Emotional changes, such as increased irritability, mood swings, and increased anxiety, are also common. Therefore, it is essential to have a holistic approach to manage this transition phase by taking into account both physical and emotional aspects.
V. Symptoms and signs: physical and emotional changes
Perimenopause affects the entire body by influencing estrogen, progesterone and other hormones.
These changes and symptoms usually disappear after menopause, although some persist.
Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, migraines, memory loss, decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, increased abdominal fat, and menopausal weight gain .
1. Changes in the menstrual cycle before and during this period
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Shorter, heavier menstrual cycles :
One of the first signs of perimenopause is often a shortening of the menstrual cycle by 2 to 4 days. This is caused by earlier ovulation due to hormonal changes, including a decrease in the follicular phase. Your periods may also become heavier due to a drop in progesterone production, even if estrogen levels remain high or increase slightly. However, other factors can also shorten the cycle, such as a natural decrease in average cycle length with age, from 29 days at age 20 to 26 days at age 40.
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Irregular cycles and variable bleeding :
As the number of ovarian follicles decreases, ovulation becomes less frequent, leading to longer and irregular menstrual cycles. Bleeding may vary in amount and duration, and become less predictable. Anovulatory cycles, where ovulation does not occur, are common and can lead to lighter or longer periods.
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Stopping periods :
As ovulation becomes rare, periods can disappear for several months before stopping permanently with menopause. This transition phase usually lasts between 1 and 3 years, although this varies from person to person. About 10% of women can experience a sudden cessation of periods without a long period of irregularity.
2. How are the periods during this period?
Periods may become irregular, shorter or longer, and vary in abundance. These changes are due to the hormonal fluctuations characteristic of perimenopause.
3. Symptoms
Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood changes, migraines, memory loss, decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, increased abdominal fat, and tightness. of weight.
4. Bleeding
Bleeding may become irregular and unpredictable, with heavier or lighter periods.
5. Swollen belly
A bloated belly is a common symptom, often caused by hormonal fluctuations and changes in digestion.
6. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can occur due to hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities.
7. Lower abdominal pain
Lower abdominal pain is common and can be linked to menstrual cramps and hormonal fluctuations.
8. Muscle pain
Muscle pain can be a symptom of perimenopause, often caused by hormonal changes and decreased muscle mass.
9. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom, often caused by sleep disorders and hormonal changes.
10. Nausea
Nausea can occur due to hormonal fluctuations and changes in digestion.
11. Peri-menopause weight gain
Weight gain is common, often due to hormonal changes and decreased metabolism.
12. Peri-menopause tinnitus
Tinnitus can be a symptom of perimenopause, often caused by hormonal fluctuations and changes in blood flow.
13. Change in skin and hair texture
Hormonal fluctuations can also affect skin and hair. The skin may become drier and less elastic, while the hair may lose its shine and become thinner. This is often due to decreased levels of estrogen, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and hair.
14. Impact on mental health
Hormonal changes can also have a significant impact on mental health. Many women report feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability during this time. These symptoms can be exacerbated by sleep disturbances and other physical symptoms, making this time particularly difficult to manage. It is important to consider these aspects and look for ways to support mental health during this transition period.
15. Changes in libido
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to decreased sexual desire. This decreased libido may also be associated with other symptoms such as vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable or painful. Natural solutions and dietary supplements can help alleviate these symptoms and improve sexual well-being.
16. Sleep disorders
Sleep problems are common and may include difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, and feeling tired all the time. These disorders can be caused by nighttime hot flashes and night sweats, as well as fluctuating levels of certain hormones, such as melatonin.
17. Concentration and memory problems
It is common to experience problems with concentration and memory during this phase. These symptoms, often called "brain fog," can be frustrating and affect quality of life. They are usually temporary and tend to improve after menopause, but may require specific strategies to manage them effectively.
18. Increased sensitivity to temperature changes
Hormonal fluctuations can make some people more sensitive to temperature changes, leading to feelings of extreme cold or heat. This sensitivity can be uncomfortable and affect the quality of daily life.
VI. Menopause treatments: how to manage the symptoms?
- Change your lifestyle: Wearing layered clothing, drinking moderately, exercising, stopping smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Can relieve some symptoms but carries risks. Used at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest duration necessary.
- Non-hormonal medications: Certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications can reduce hot flashes.
- Alternative and “natural” treatments: Acupuncture and mindfulness can help. Menopause food supplements can relieve certain symptoms and support you in this transition.
The Letting Go Complex combines targeted mushrooms and powerful adaptogenic plants to help the body cope with stress.
It calms nervous tension, promotes relaxation and helps fight sleep disorders.
Organic eschscholtzia extract promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress-related symptoms, making it easier to fall asleep and achieve restful sleep.
Concentrated lion's mane extract, known for its benefits on stress, fatigue and nervous tension, is four times more powerful than the whole mushroom.
As for schisandra chinensis extract, it combats sleep disorders and promotes deep sleep.
The Female Cycle Complex has been specially formulated to support the well-being of women during their menstrual cycle or during perimenopause.
Composed of vitamins, minerals and medicinal plants, it regulates hormonal changes and reduces inflammation, thus relieving the discomforts associated with premenstrual syndrome such as pain, cramps, fatigue, irritability and headaches.
This dietary supplement can also alleviate pain related to endometriosis.
In addition, the Feminine Cycle Complex helps combat perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
During this transition period, premenstrual syndrome can be impacted and be much more difficult for some women. Centifolia rose helps alleviate this syndrome, magnesium prevents stress and myo-inositol acts on serotonin. Finally, yarrow extract exerts a sedative action on the uterus and ovaries, soothing periodic abdominal cramps.
VII. When to consult a health professional?
During perimenopause and menopause, consult a healthcare professional if:
- Your periods become very heavy or long.
- You start bleeding between periods.
- You have spotting or bleeding after menopause.
- You have bleeding after sex.
- You experience severe or persistent pain in your lower abdomen.
Abnormal bleeding may be related to changes in the endometrium or other medical conditions such as uterine polyps, which are important to detect and treat early. Sudden and unusual changes in symptoms should also be discussed with a healthcare professional for appropriate follow-up.
Furthermore, regular consultations make it possible to monitor the evolution of this period and adapt treatments or food supplements according to individual needs for better well-being.
