The symptoms of perimenopause affect each person in different ways. You might be asking “what are the symptoms of perimenopause?”, and our guide is here to highlight them. See how you can ease these first symptoms with essential vitamins and minerals.
Table of Contents:
- 6 Common Perimenopause Symptoms
- How Long do Perimenopause Symptoms Last?
- Support Your Health in Perimenopause with BetterYou
- Our Partnership with GenM
6 Common Perimenopause Symptoms
Perimenopause is the first stage of the menopause. This stage is denoted by changes in the menstrual cycle and fluctuations in oestrogen. There are many common perimenopause symptoms which women and people with periods may experience.
1. Irregular Periods
The first symptom of perimenopause that you may notice is having irregular periods. This is because the ovaries begin producing less oestrogen during this time. Oestrogen levels are usually at their highest in the ovulation stage of the menstrual cycle, triggering the uterus lining to thicken before the release of an egg.
As oestrogen levels are lower during perimenopause, this is why periods become more erratic. This might be the first symptom of perimenopause you notice as your menstrual cycle changes.
2. Difficulty Sleeping
Another perimenopause symptom is poor sleep, often caused by night sweats where you may feel excessively hot at night. This can lead to levels of discomfort which can make falling asleep incredibly difficult.
Without enough sleep, you may experience sleep deprivation, which leads to tiredness and irritability during the day. Sleep supplements may help to relieve some trouble you may have drifting off, by providing the essential nutrients which help prepare your body to fall to sleep.
3. Mood Changes & Irritability
With the changes going on in your body, as well as difficulty sleeping, it is likely that a perimenopause symptom you may experience is changes to your mood. The changing hormone levels during this time can lead to a reduction in serotonin levels. Serotonin is known as the happy hormone, as studies have shown its relationship with supporting a balanced mood and lighter mindset.
If you are particularly worried, you should speak to your Doctor about the effect perimenopause is having on your life. It is also important to speak openly to friends, family, and colleagues about your perimenopause symptoms. This can help you feel supported during this time, and to help reduce the lack of awareness around mid-life.
4. Aching Bones
The oestrogen fluctuations that come hand in hand with perimenopause can lead to bone turnover and decreased bone density. Oestrogen regulates bone metabolism and promotes the activity of osteoblasts - the cells that make new bone.
Lower oestrogen levels during perimenopause can lead to joint aches in menopause and could cause increased risk of fractures. Because of this, a common perimenopause symptom is aching bones and joint stiffness. Bone supplements and joint health vitamins can provide the nutrients needed to support your skeletal strength during this time.
5. Hot Flushes
Hot flushes are a very common perimenopause symptom. Hot flushes affect around 80% of menopausal women and those experiencing menopause. The fluctuations in oestrogen can cause other hormones to be produced which can affect your temperature.
Dressing in layers which can be removed, carrying a portable fan, using cold compresses can all be ways to help soothe this perimenopause symptom.
6. Vaginal Dryness
Oestrogen is important to the lubrication, elasticity, and thickness of the vagina. When these sex hormones decline, you may experience drying and inflammation as a perimenopause symptom. This may cause discomfort during sex.
How Long do Perimenopause Symptoms Last?
- Perimenopause symptoms typically begin between the ages 45-55
- You may notice perimenopause symptoms as early as your mid 30s
- Perimenopause ends when you’ve gone through 12 consecutive months without a period
- Then you are now considered menopausal, but symptoms can persist
- Symptoms can typically last around 4 years from your last period
Support Your Health in Perimenopause with BetterYou
The best supplements to take during perimenopause provide the essential nutrients which your body needs during this time.
Magnesium
Magnesium supplements can help to support your sleep quality during perimenopause symptoms. Magnesium is a mineral that regulates melatonin production, which helps your brain receptors to switch off in preparation for sleep. Because of this, many may take magnesium for menopause.
Magnesium is convenient to supplement because it can be applied topically through transdermal magnesium:
- Magnesium Bath Flakes are added to bathwater to wind you down ready for sleep.
- Magnesium Creams hydrate your skin while increasing your magnesium intake.
- Magnesium Sprays support muscle relaxation with targeted application.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known for its role in bone strength. Vitamin D supplements can help to increase your intake. This is especially important during perimenopause symptoms, when decreased oestrogen levels can lead to bone turnover and increased risk of stress fractures.
Vitamin B12
B vitamins can support a positive mindset to help support your mood while you experience perimenopause symptoms. Vitamin B12 and B6 are particularly necessary for the production of “happy hormones” serotonin and dopamine. Vitamin B supplements can help to ensure you are obtaining the recommended intake of these essential vitamins.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is also important for bone strength, because the vitamin helps to move calcium along the blood, to help reduce the risk of calcification. Vitamin K supplements allow you to obtain the recommended intake to support your health through perimenopause symptoms.
Vitamin E
Known as the sex vitamin, vitamin E plays a crucial role alongside sex hormones like oestrogen. When your oestrogen declines, you may experience the common perimenopause symptom of vaginal dryness and inflammation. Vitamin E benefits this because it can help to regulate your sex hormones.
Our Partnership with GenM
We have partnered with GenM to help spread awareness of menopause, and provide a more positive experience for those going through it. GenM is a collective of progressive, responsible brands with a mission to improve the menopause experience and normalise the conversation.
The majority of our products are suitable to help manage perimenopause symptoms, but look out for products with an M-Tick to see the vital supplements to help you through this stage of life.
