Perimenopause Explained
Written by: Sarah Moloney
Perimenopause is a transitional time in a menstruating person’s life in the lead up to the final menstrual period (FMP). Whilst this is a natural part of the aging process and not to be feared, 75% develop symptoms which can vary from the inconvenient, to extremely disruptive - impacting home and/or work life.
Menopause, which is 12 months after the final menstrual period, occurs on average at age 51 and perimenopause symptoms can begin 5 to 10 or more years prior to menopause. These symptoms are person-dependent, and can include irregular or unusual bleeding patterns, cognitive symptoms such as brain fog and memory decline, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, even musculoskeletal pain, and hair changes. The type and severity of these symptoms can vary over time, and it can be difficult to articulate to a health care provider what is being experienced. Not feeling like yourself or not firing on all cylinders at work or at home? Perimenopause may be at the root of this feeling.
As this time in life tends to be incredibly busy, with families, partners and/or career already causing quite a bit of stress, the early warning symptoms such as increased anxiety can get swept under the rug and ignored by us or our health care providers, when our bodies could be crying out for help.
As it stands, we have some roadblocks to accessing this help. There are no diagnostic tests currently available or acceptable to clinicians, with some hesitant to either diagnose or offer symptom-based support, just at a time where we need it most.
If this is something you can relate to, you are in the right place. Symptom management can include lifestyle interventions such meditation, breathwork and yoga to relieve stress. A well-structured exercise routine and some nutritional support can help alleviate some of the issues you face and there is medical support in the form of Hormone Therapy (HT), provided by a medical doctor. When choosing your doctor, it may be worthwhile choosing one who specialises in perimenopause and menopause, as they will have the expertise you require.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power and to assist you in the recognition of these symptoms identifyHer has been created. This wearable device puts you back in the driving seat, it is a tracker to help you identify these symptoms. From here, you can use this information to create a personalised management plan and use the tracker to monitor if the plan is working based on your own body's response to your interventions.
Over the coming months the team at identifyHer want to give you the tools you need to gain control of these symptoms and take charge of your well-being. Keep an eye on our upcoming blog posts for up to date scientific research on these symptoms as well as practical advice on support services, Hormone Therapy, exercise, and nutrition interventions specifically tailored for those experiencing symptoms of Perimenopause.