For years there hasn't been enough talk about menopause and it's so refreshing to see that stigma is starting to come away. Women are finally have a voice and talking so much more openly about menopause or perimenopause. I started my perimenopause at just 35 years old. A time when I just didn't quite feel myself, I was feeling lost, and anxious, had night sweats, and irregular periods to name a few, and just knew I felt different. Like most of us, I put it down to the general day-to-day things of life, running my own business, being a mum to two young children, a wife, and general household chores.
Lightbulb moment
One evening I was sitting with my husband, watching the Davina McCall menopause documentary. As I sat watching I just looked at my husband and said "This is me, this is what's wrong." I felt a sense of relief that it was something I could relate to, that it wasn't all in my head. So much of the show resonated with me. After a trip to my GP with a massive list of symptoms I was referred to a gynecologist and was told I was perimenopausal. I want to share my story more in-depth which I will do on the next blog.
This has now become my passion to share my knowledge, my journey, and how I want to help other women with their journey. I am not medically trained but what I can do is share all of my research and what has helped me on my perimenopause journey.
So what are the signs and symptoms of perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time before the menopause when you are still having periods. This stage can last up to 10 years. Menopause is when your periods have officially stopped for 12 months. These are some of the signs and symptoms that you could be perimenopausal, remember we are all different.
Fatigue and insomnia
Irregular periods, heavier or lighter in flow.
Night sweats and hot flushes
Poor sleep
Low sex drive
Brain fog and memory problems
Low mood and anxiety
Reduced concentration
Weight gain - the middle age spread isn't a myth!
Headaches, and more regular or intense migraines
Vaginal dryness and soreness
Recurrent UTIs and urinary incontinence
Oral symptoms like dry mouth, gum disease, and even tooth loss
Dry, itchy skin and thinning hair
Joint and muscle pain
Tinnitus
Pins and needles
Heart palpitations
I pretty much had most of these symptoms and remember breaking down at my appointment as I read through my symptoms. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or lots of them it maybe worth a trip to your GP to talk to them. They say the average age for women to be perimenopausal is around 44-45 years old but that's not always the case like me I was 35. So all I am saying is don't be fobbed off by your GP be persistent.
The little takeaway from me
One little piece of advice that I would give you is to keep track of all of your symptoms and your periods as this massively helped me when it came to seeing my GP. I used an app called FLO click here for the link or the menopause Doctor Louise Newson has an app called Balance click here for the link
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing my journey, my HRT, skin and wellbeing tips.
If you would like more education, tips, and hints on perimenopause and menopause then I would love to see you in my community over on Facebook JOIN HERE
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