If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, you might have started noticing some changes in your body, and perhaps you’re wondering: “Is this perimenopause?” The answer is, it could be! Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, and during this transition, your body goes through a lot of changes. Some are expected, others might feel a little strange, and many can be a bit overwhelming at first.
In this article, we’re diving into perimenopause symptoms and breaking them down scientifically, so you can better understand what’s happening inside your body. From mood swings to sleep disruptions and everything in between, here’s a closer look at the most common signs of perimenopause.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms
Here’s a list of the most common perimenopause symptoms, and what’s happening in your body when you experience them:
Irregular Periods
What’s Happening: As estrogen levels fluctuate, your menstrual cycle may become unpredictable. You might experience longer or shorter cycles, heavier or lighter periods, or missed periods altogether.
Hot Flashes
What’s Happening: Hot flashes are a well-known symptom of perimenopause. They occur due to hormonal fluctuations affecting your body’s temperature regulation. You may feel a sudden wave of heat, followed by sweating, and sometimes a chill.
Night Sweats
What’s Happening: Similar to hot flashes, night sweats happen during sleep and can disrupt your rest. It’s your body’s way of coping with temperature changes caused by hormonal shifts.
Mood Swings
What’s Happening: Hormonal fluctuations affect neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to mood swings. You might feel irritable, anxious, or tearful at times, and these mood changes can feel unpredictable.
Sleep Disturbances
What’s Happening: As estrogen levels drop, it can affect your ability to stay asleep or fall asleep. You may experience insomnia, wake up frequently during the night, or struggle to get a good night’s rest.
Vaginal Dryness
What’s Happening: Reduced estrogen levels can also affect the vaginal tissues, leading to dryness, irritation, or discomfort, especially during sexual activity.
Decreased Libido
What’s Happening: Changes in hormone levels can lower sexual desire, making you feel less interested in intimacy than you once did.
Memory Issues or “Brain Fog”
What’s Happening: Many women report experiencing memory lapses or difficulty concentrating during perimenopause. This is often called “brain fog” and is likely linked to changing hormone levels affecting cognitive function.
Weight Gain
What’s Happening: Perimenopause can slow your metabolism, making it easier to gain weight, especially around the abdomen. Decreased estrogen can also affect your body’s ability to regulate fat storage and muscle mass.
Headaches or Migraines
What’s Happening: Fluctuating hormones can trigger headaches or migraines, especially around the time of your period or during a significant hormonal shift.
Breast Tenderness
What’s Happening: As estrogen levels fluctuate, you may experience breast tenderness or changes in the size and feel of your breasts, similar to what you might feel before your period.
Joint and Muscle Aches
What’s Happening: Some women report experiencing increased joint pain, stiffness, or muscle aches during perimenopause. This is thought to be related to changes in estrogen levels and its effect on the body’s connective tissue.
Skin Changes
What’s Happening: Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to changes in your skin. You may notice dry skin, more wrinkles, or even breakouts. Estrogen affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture and its overall texture.
Increased Anxiety or Depression
What’s Happening: Perimenopause can increase feelings of anxiety or depression, partly due to hormonal fluctuations. It’s important to recognize these emotional changes and seek support if needed.
Heart Palpitations
What’s Happening: Some women experience heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats during perimenopause, likely due to the effects of fluctuating hormones on the cardiovascular system.
