8 Perimenopause Facts
Perimenopause or 'around menopause' is when the body makes the natural transition to menopause. Women start perimenopause at different ages. Mostly, it starts when they're mid-30s.
The common symptoms are irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep problems, and vaginal dryness. Once the woman has gone through 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, she's officially reached menopause and the perimenopause period is over.
This article highlights the 8 perimenopause facts that will guide you in your transition.
1. Perimenopause affects mental health.
About 4 in 10 women have mood symptoms during perimenopause that are similar to PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Perimenopausal women feel irritable, have low energy, feel tearful and moody, or have a hard time concentrating. Unlike PMS, these symptoms come at times unrelated to the menstrual cycle and they occur for years with no pattern. This type of mood change is known as perimenopausal mood instability.
Additionally, some perimenopausal women report feeling anxious. This includes muscle tension, sweating, or nausea. These symptoms get in the way of their daily life.
2. It’s important to visit a gynecologist.
Perimenopausal women are advised to visit a gynecologist to check their fluctuating hormones. Women entering this stage might experience moderate to severe menopause symptoms. It’s important to book an appointment with a gynecologist to be checked physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Depending on the symptoms, a gynecologist can prescribe hormonal or non-hormonal treatment options for you. So, don’t forget to book an appointment.
3. Perimenopausal women can still get pregnant.
Despite ovulation changes and the chances of conception decrease, the possibility of getting pregnant doesn't reach zero until menopause is fully achieved. According to Miracare and Primary Care Notebook, these are the pregnancy rates during perimenopause:
Ages 40–44 - The estimated pregnancy rate is between 10% and 20% yearly.
Ages 45–49 - The estimated pregnancy rate is approximately 12% yearly.
Age 50 - The pregnancy rate decreases to about 5% yearly.
4. Hot flashes is the most common perimenopause symptom.
35% to 50% of women experience hot flashes during perimenopause. These symptoms significantly impact daily activities and sleep quality. While some women experience vasomotor symptoms for only a few months, others persist for several years. About 20% of women in their late 50s, 10% in their 60s, and 5% in their 70s continue to experience persistent hot flashes.
5. Most perimenopausal women sleep less than 7 hours in a 24-hour period.
Sleep problems are common during perimenopause. According to a National Health Center Statistics study, 56% of perimenopausal women (aged 40–59) reported sleeping less than 7 hours in a 24-hour period compared to 40.5% of postmenopausal women. This health issue disrupts the body’s natural processes and increases stress hormones, leading to cardiovascular health risks.
6. Vaginal atrophy most often occurs during perimenopause and menopause when the ovaries produce less estrogen.
According to Cleveland Clinic, at least half of women who enter menopause show signs and symptoms of genitourinary syndrome. It’s a condition where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner from declining estrogen. The common symptoms are vaginal dryness, burning, itching, spotting, frequent urination, and urinary tract infections.
This condition affects perimenopausal women’s sex life because it makes penetrative sex uncomfortable and painful. Perimenopausal women are advised to work with their healthcare provider for treatment plans, like lubricants and vaginal moisturizers.
7. Physical and mental changes affect perimenopausal working women.
Fatigue, hot flushes, brain fog, poor sleep, and mood swings affect perimenopausal working women's performance and productivity. Newson Health Research and Education survey mirrors how much perimenopausal women put up with at work:
99% of respondents noted their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms led to a negative impact on their careers (more than a third calling the impact ‘significant’).
59% took time off work due to their symptoms and 18% were off more than 8 weeks.
Reasons for taking time off included reduced efficiency (45%), poor quality of work (26%) and poor concentration (7%).
50% of those who took at least 8 weeks off work resigned or took early retirement.
21% passed on the chance to go for promotion, 19% reduced working hours, and 12% resigned.
60% said their workplace offered no menopause support.
8. Some perimenopausal women hesitate to seek medical treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, many are not fully aware of perimenopause symptoms and its associated changes. It often leads them to attribute their experiences to other causes or simply accept them as normal. This is supported by 2 studies:
A study in the UAE found that 67% of women had poor menopause knowledge.
A study of 220 UK women found that women had little formal menopause education.
Additionally, menopause is linked to negative stereotypes and societal expectations. These make women feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss their symptoms with a doctor.
Sources
Mood Changes during Perimenopause are Real: Here's What to Know
8 Surprising Facts about Perimenopause and Menopause
Sleep Duration and Quality among Women Aged 40-59, by Menopausal Status
Comments
Post a Comment