First things first. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your symptoms are related to perimenopause or another health condition.

They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction techniques, to help manage your symptoms. In some cases, hormone therapy or other medications may be recommended to alleviate symptoms. 

Perimenopause Symptoms Can Vary

 It’s important to keep in mind that perimenopause is a natural and normal stage of life for women, and many of the symptoms are common and expected. Hormone levels fluctuate, which can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. These symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

However, if your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life or are causing you concern, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. This article will look at some signs that you may need to seek medical attention.

Some Common Symptoms of Perimenopause Include: 

• Irregular periods: Periods may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter than usual

• Hot flashes: A sudden feeling of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat

• Night sweats: Hot flashes that occur during the night, often leading to disrupted sleep

• Mood changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to irritability, depression, and anxiety 

• Vaginal dryness: Reduced levels of estrogen can cause the vagina to become dry and thin

• Sleep problems: Night sweats and other symptoms can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep 

• Decreased libido: Changes in hormone levels can lead to a reduced interest in sex

When Should You Worry About Your Perimenopause Symptoms?

For some women, one or more symptoms can become unmanageable.  

If your symptoms start impacting your quality of life you may need to seek further medical attention.  

Here are some things to look out for:

• If your symptoms are severe or disruptive i.e. they are interfering with your daily activities or are causing you significant discomfort.

• If you’re experiencing symptoms not typically associated with perimenopause. While many symptoms are common, there are some that are less typical. If you’re experiencing symptoms that are unusual or concerning, it’s important to get checked out. 

• While perimenopause typically occurs in women in their late 30s or 40s, it’s possible to experience symptoms earlier. If you’re experiencing symptoms at a younger age, it may be worth discussing with your doctor. 

• Women with a personal or family history of conditions such as breast cancer, heart disease, or blood clots may need to take extra precautions during perimenopause. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor to determine if you need additional monitoring or treatment. 

There Is No One Size Fits All

Remember that every woman’s experience with perimenopause is different, and what’s concerning for one woman may not be for another. If you’re uncertain about whether your symptoms are normal or concerning, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for guidance. 

For a free no-obligation chat about how you can go beyond ‘managing’ perimenopause symptoms and actually thrive, get in touch today.