Signs & Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause

Brain Fog:

Some women may experience mild cognitive changes, often referred to as "menopause brain" or "brain fog." These changes can include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and a temporary decline in memory.

Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort:

Declining estrogen levels during menopause can cause thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues, leading to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse. This symptom can affect your sexual desire and overall quality of life.

Weight Gain:

Many women notice changes in their body composition during menopause, often experiencing weight gain or a shift in fat distribution, particularly around the abdomen. The decrease in estrogen levels can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.

Bone Loss & Osteoporosis:

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, women are at an increased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis.

Mood Swings:

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can influence your emotional well-being, causing mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even depression. These emotional changes are often a result of the hormonal imbalances occurring in your body.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats:

Hot flashes, often characterized by sudden and intense feelings of heat and sweating, are perhaps the most commonly known symptom of menopause. These episodes can be disruptive and uncomfortable, occurring during the day or interrupting your sleep at night, leading to night sweats.

Irregular Periods:

One of the first signs of perimenopause, the stage leading up to menopause, is irregular menstrual cycles. You may experience changes in the frequency, duration, and flow of your periods. Some women may have shorter and lighter periods, while others may have longer and heavier ones, or even skip periods altogether.

Skin and Hair Changes:

The hormonal shifts that occur during menopause can also affect your skin and hair. Many women notice dry skin, thinning hair, and even an increase in facial hair growth.

Changes in Sexual Desire:

Menopause can impact your sexual desire and response. Fluctuating hormones, vaginal dryness, and other physical and emotional symptoms can affect your libido and may require open communication with your partner and healthcare provider.

Sleep Disturbances:

Menopause can negatively impact your sleep patterns, making it challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Nighttime hot flashes and night sweats can further exacerbate sleep disturbances.

Joint & Muscle Aches:

Muscle aches and joint pain are common symptoms experienced by some women during perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms are often attributed to hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels.

What is Perimenopause & Menopause?

Perimenopause, often referred to as the menopausal transition, is the stage in a woman's life leading up to menopause. Perimenopause typically starts in a woman's 40s but can begin in her 30s or earlier for some. This phase can last for several years (3-15 years), and it marks the gradual end of a woman's reproductive years.

Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. A woman doesn’t get through menopause, she is in menopause for the rest of her life.