Perimenopause is that wild rollercoaster before menopause. It can bring many not-so-fun symptoms along with it. We are all familiar with the hot flushes, changes in periods and mood swings. But there is also a list of other symptoms that often go unnoticed or are mistakenly attributed to different causes. In this blog, we shed light on some symptoms you may not realize are due to perimenopause. The unnoticed symptoms of peri-menopause, because helping you recognise these symptoms, helps you understand your body, which in-turn helps during this transformative time.
Noticeable symptoms of peri-menopause:
Firstly, let’s recap on the more noticeable symptoms of perimenopause to refresh your memory:
Irregular Menstrual Cycles:
One of the hallmark signs of perimenopause is changes in menstrual cycles. Your periods may become irregular, with variations in the length of your cycle and the amount of flow. You may experience shorter or longer cycles, skipped periods, or heavier or lighter bleeding. It can be fine one month and then haywire the next. I’ve written a whole blog on this topic: Are you Perimenopausal – 3 signs.
Hot Flushes and Night Sweats:
One minute you are fine and then next you feel like you are on fire. Hot flushes and night sweats are not fun and can bring with it disturbed sleep patterns and fatigue. Want to know more about hot flushes and what heats you up and cools you down here in my blog, Hot flush causes.
Mood Swings:
Hormonal changes can impact your mood during perimenopause. Leaving you feeling like you are a teenager again or on a rollercoaster. Mood swings, including irritability, anxiety, and feelings of sadness or depression are common occurrences. These emotional changes may be exacerbated by other factors such as sleep disturbances or stress. Mood changes in perimenopause is discussed more in this blog too.
Sleep Problems:
Perimenopause can throw your sleep patterns out the window, leaving you feeling tired, irritable and angry. You may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience night sweats that wake you up. These sleep disruptions can lead to daytime fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Did you catch my blog, Why your sleep turns to shi* when menopause hits.
Vaginal Changes:
Declining oestrogen levels can result in changes in the vaginal tissue. You may experience vaginal dryness, itching, or discomfort during intercourse. The decrease in oestrogen can also affect the elasticity and thickness of the vaginal walls. Leading to a higher risk of vaginal infections or urinary tract infections.
Changes in Sexual Function:
Perimenopause can affect your sexual desire and function. Some women may experience a decrease in libido, while others may have an increase. Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse can also impact sexual satisfaction.
Fatigue:
Hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, can contribute to feelings of fatigue. You may find yourself feeling more tired or lacking motivation to engage in your usual activities. Need some extra tips on how to Boost energy levels? Eat these energy boosting foods.
Changes in Weight and Body Composition:
Some women may notice changes in their weight and body composition during perimenopause. Hormonal fluctuations can affect metabolism and lead to weight gain. Particularly around the abdomen. Many find it difficult to lose weight around this area. Often feeling like, “they’ve tried all the things that used to work, and the weight just won’t shift!”
Additionally, muscle mass decreases, whilst fat distribution may change also.
Brain Fog and Memory Issues:
Are you forgetting words or names or struggling to concentrate? Many women experience difficulties with memory and concentration during perimenopause. This “brain fog” can make it challenging to focus, remember details, or multitask.
As women navigate through this stage of life, they encounter numerous physical and hormonal changes. However, there can be other symptoms that go unnoticed. Termed the, Unnoticed symptoms of peri-menopause. These symptoms can give signs that you are heading into peri-menopause. Let’s delve deeper into these symptoms.
The unnoticed symptoms of peri-menopause:
Joint Pain:
Feeling like your joints have suddenly turned creaky and cranky? Hormonal fluctuations during this phase can affect the body’s production of collagen, a vital component for joint health. Reduced oestrogen levels can lead to joint inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort. If you experience unexplained joint pain, especially in the absence of injury or other medical conditions, it could be an unnoticed symptom of perimenopause.
Skin Changes:
Aging is a fact of life, but perimenopause can fast-track the process. Say hello to drier, thinner skin that seems to wrinkle at the mere sight of a laugh. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity, moisture, and overall health. As oestrogen levels decline, the skin may become drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles. You may also notice increased sensitivity, itchiness, or a decrease in collagen production. Being mindful of these changes can help you adapt your skincare routine and address any specific concerns that arise.
Vaginal Dryness:
Vaginal dryness is a symptom that is common. The decrease in oestrogen levels during this phase can lead to a reduction in vaginal lubrication. Causing discomfort, itching, and pain during sexual intercourse. It’s essential to recognize this symptom as a natural part of the hormonal changes taking place and seek appropriate treatments or lubricants to enhance comfort and maintain sexual well-being.
Burning Mouth Syndrome:
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition characterized by a persistent burning or tingling sensation in the mouth. Often affecting the tongue, lips, gums, and throat. While the exact cause of BMS is still not fully understood, hormonal imbalances during perimenopause are thought to contribute to its development as well as changes to nerve function or problems with the immune system. If you experience these unusual oral sensations without any apparent cause, it’s worth considering perimenopause as a potential underlying factor. To learn more, read through my blog on Burning mouth syndrome.
Allergies (due to histamine increase):
Histamine, a natural substance involved in the body’s immune response, can become imbalanced during perimenopause. With oestrogen levels increasing (and decreasing and increasing and decreasing, you get my drift) during perimenopause, histamine levels also increase as oestrogen stimulates its release. This can lead to a heightened sensitivity to allergens. This can manifest as new or worsening allergies. Such as hay fever, skin rashes, headaches, migraines or respiratory symptoms. Recognising the connection between hormonal changes and allergies can assist in managing symptoms more effectively.
Changes in Body Odour:
Hormonal fluctuations make your sweat glands go wild, resulting in different smells wafting from your armpits.
Some women may notice an increase in body odour, while others may experience a different smell altogether.
Hair Loss/Thinning of Hair:
Hair loss or thinning hair can be distressing for many women, and perimenopause can contribute to these changes. Oestrogen helps promote hair growth, so a decline in oestrogen levels can lead to hair follicles becoming more sensitive to other hormones, resulting in hair loss or thinning. If you notice significant shedding or a decrease in hair volume, it’s worth considering perimenopause as a potential cause.
So to wrap it up, these are some of the unnoticed symptoms of perimenopause. It can be a rollercoaster, however, knowledge is power and there are many strategies and tools that can help you navigate this time in your life. By familiarizing yourself with these lesser-known symptoms, such as joint pain, skin changes, vaginal dryness, burning mouth syndrome, allergies, changes in body odour, and hair loss/thinning, you can better understand and navigate this transformative period in your life.
Join me for my upcoming webinar, The Perimenopause Rollercoaster: Navigating Hormonal Changes and Finding Balance to gain a better understanding of the changes happening to your body, feel empowered and confident for this stage of your life.