Perimenopause: definition, symptoms and solutions by D-LAB
Publié le 02-07-2024 et mis à jour le 31-01-2025
Menopause and Perimenopause: what are the different changes that occur in the cycle, when and why?
Important information:
- Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles. The average age of menopause is 51 years, although various factors such as ethnic background, behavior, and environment can influence this timing.
- Perimenopause is the phase that occurs around menopause. It is also the transition that precedes menopause. The first changes in the menstrual cycle appear on average four years before menopause, although this is not universal.
- We can alleviate the unpleasant effects of perimenopause by changing our lifestyle, taking hormone treatments, or non-hormonal dietary supplements for menopause.
Summary
I. What is menopause? II. What is perimenopause? III. The importance of understanding perimenopause IV. The first signs and the average age of perimenopause V. Symptoms and signs: physical and emotional changes VI. Menopause treatments: how to manage symptoms? VII. When to consult a healthcare professional? Discover the range
I. What is menopause?
Menopause corresponds to the end of menstrual cycles, making pregnancy impossible.
The term "menopause" comes from the Greek "men" (month) and "pausis" (stop). It is a unique experience for humans, one of the few species to undergo this transition.
For some people, it represents both an end and a renewal. Menopause can cause significant upheavals, but for others, it is barely noticeable. The effects of menopause are different for each woman.
It can also be induced by surgery or drug treatment. In general, menopause is diagnosed after a 12-month absence of menstruation by a healthcare professional.
This natural phenomenon usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but individual variations exist. Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Understanding this phase helps to better prepare and go through this transition calmly, by taking appropriate measures to alleviate discomforts.
II. What is perimenopause?
1. Definition
Perimenopause is the period of transition to menopause (the prefix "peri" means "around" in Greek). It marks the beginning of hormonal changes that lead to the end of menstrual cycles. This phase precedes menopause and is characterized by significant variations in estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. Interpretation
Many do not know this term and confuse it with menopause itself. It is crucial to distinguish this phase to better understand the symptoms and changes that occur.
3. Distinction with perimenopause
Perimenopause can last from a few months to 8 years, on average 4 to 5 years. Unlike premenopause, where menstrual cycles are still regular, this period is marked by increasing irregularity of the cycles.
During this phase, hormone levels fluctuate before decreasing, causing various symptoms. This period is experienced differently depending on individuals and cultures. There are many solutions to better manage your menstrual cycle during this time.
4. Impact on quality of life
Hormonal changes can significantly affect quality of life, causing symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. Understanding and managing this phase are essential to improving overall well-being.
III. The importance of understanding perimenopause
Every woman and person with a cycle will experience these natural stages of aging.
Despite this, they are often poorly represented in culture and research. This leads to a general lack of knowledge and preconceived ideas that can complicate the management of this transition.
Knowing the different possible changes helps to recognize this transition and to better prepare for it, both physically and emotionally.
Additionally, fertility issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis can occur during this period, making it important to differentiate the symptoms of perimenopause from those of other problems.
Moreover, a good understanding allows for better selection of solutions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
IV. The first signs and the average age of perimenopause
It is difficult to determine exactly when the perimenopause begins.
A study revealed that menstrual cycle irregularities typically appear around the age of 47 or 48.
However, this can vary. About one in three women reporting irregular cycles at 45 years old, and nearly one in ten still having regular periods at 52 years old.
Significant hormonal changes begin to manifest during this transition phase. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. It is common to observe a variation in the heaviness and duration of menstruation, which can be an important early sign.
Menopause occurs on average at 51 years old, between 45 and 55 years. About 4 out of 10 women are menopausal at 50 years old, and 9 out of 10 at 55 years old.
Menopause is called "early" before 45 years old and "premature" before 40 years old. The latter is also called premature ovarian insufficiency and affects about 1% of women.
1. Duration
Perimenopause, the transition phase to menopause, lasts on average 4 years, but can vary from a few months to 8 years.
About one in ten people may experience a faster transition with fewer symptoms such as hot flashes.
2. Factors influencing the age of menopause
- Smoking: Yes, it can accelerate it.
- Hormonal contraception: Maybe, although the studies are mixed.
- Hereditary, environmental, and lifestyle factors: Influence the experience of perimenopause and menopause. Those who experience menopause later generally have a shorter transition. Those who smoke tend to experience perimenopause and menopause about one year earlier.
3. Early
Early menopause, occurring before age 45, can be influenced by genetic factors, medical treatments, or specific health conditions.
4. Signs to watch for in women
Signs to watch for include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. These symptoms may indicate the onset of perimenopause.
It is also important to note less common but significant symptoms, such as joint pain, unexplained weight gain, and increased sensitivity to urinary infections. These manifestations can often be confused with other medical conditions, making the understanding and identification of this phase even more crucial.
Emotional changes, such as increased irritability, mood swings, and heightened anxiety, are also common. Therefore, it is essential to have a holistic approach to managing this transition phase by considering both physical and emotional aspects.
V. Symptoms and signs: physical and emotional changes
Perimenopause affects the whole body by influencing estrogen, progesterone and other hormones.
These changes and symptoms generally disappear after menopause, although some persist.
Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, migraines, memory loss, decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, increased abdominal fat, and menopause weight gain.
1. Changes in the menstrual cycle before and during this period
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Shorter and heavier menstrual cycles :
One of the first signs of perimenopause is often a shortening of the menstrual cycle by 2 to 4 days. This is caused by earlier ovulation due to hormonal changes, notably a decrease in the follicular phase. Your periods may also become heavier due to a drop in progesterone production, even if estrogen levels remain high or increase slightly. However, other factors can also shorten the cycle, such as the natural decrease in the average cycle length with age, going from 29 days at age 20 to 26 days at age 40.
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Irregular cycles and variable bleeding :
As the number of ovarian follicles decreases, ovulation becomes less frequent, leading to longer and irregular menstrual cycles. Bleeding can vary in amount and duration, and become less predictable. Anovulatory cycles, where ovulation does not occur, are common and can lead to lighter or longer periods.
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Stopping periods :
Ovulation becoming rare, periods may disappear for several months before stopping permanently with menopause. This transition phase usually lasts between 1 and 3 years, although this varies from person to person. About 10% of women may experience a sudden stop of periods without a long period of irregularity.
2. How are the periods during this time?
Periods can become irregular, shorter or longer, and vary in flow. These changes are due to the hormonal fluctuations characteristic of perimenopause.
3. Symptoms
Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, migraines, memory loss, decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, increased abdominal fat, and weight gain.
4. Bleeding
Bleeding can become irregular and unpredictable, with periods of heavier or lighter menstruation.
5. Swollen belly
A bloated belly is a common symptom, often caused by hormonal fluctuations and changes in digestion.
6. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can occur due to hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities.
7. Lower abdominal pain
Lower abdominal pain is common and can be related to menstrual cramps and hormonal fluctuations.
8. Muscle pain
Muscle pain can be a symptom of perimenopause, often caused by hormonal changes and a decrease in muscle mass.
9. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom, often caused by sleep disorders and hormonal changes.
10. Nausea
Nausea can occur due to hormonal fluctuations and changes in digestion.
11. Perimenopause weight gain
Weight gain is common, often due to hormonal changes and a decrease in metabolism.
12. Perimenopause tinnitus
Tinnitus can be a symptom of perimenopause, often caused by hormonal fluctuations and changes in blood circulation.
13. Change in skin and hair texture
Hormonal fluctuations can also affect the skin and hair. The skin may become drier and less elastic, while the hair can lose its shine and become thinner. This is often due to the decrease in estrogen levels, which play an important role in maintaining the health of the skin and hair.
14. Impact on mental health
Hormonal changes can also have a significant impact on mental health. Many women report feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability during this period. These symptoms can be exacerbated by sleep disturbances and other physical symptoms, making this period particularly difficult to manage. It is important to consider these aspects and seek ways to support mental health during this transition period.
15. Changes in libido
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. This drop in libido can also be associated with other symptoms such as vaginal dryness, which can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful. Natural solutions and dietary supplements can help alleviate these symptoms and improve sexual well-being.
16. Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are common and can include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and a constant feeling of fatigue. These disorders can be caused by nighttime hot flashes and night sweats, as well as fluctuating levels of certain hormones, such as melatonin.
17. Concentration and memory problems
It is common to experience concentration and memory problems during this phase. These symptoms, often called "brain fog," can be frustrating and affect quality of life. They are generally temporary and tend to improve after menopause, but may require specific strategies to manage them effectively.
18. Increased sensitivity to temperature changes
Hormonal fluctuations can make some people more sensitive to temperature changes, leading to sensations of extreme cold or heat. This sensitivity can be uncomfortable and affect daily quality of life.
VI. Menopause treatments: how to manage symptoms?
- Changing your lifestyle: Wearing layered clothing, drinking moderately, exercising, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Can relieve certain symptoms but carries risks. Used at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest necessary duration.
- Non-hormonal medications: Some antidepressants and medications for hypertension can reduce hot flashes.
- Alternative and "natural" treatments: Acupuncture and mindfulness can help. Menopause dietary supplements can relieve certain symptoms and support you through this transition.
The Pro-Collagen Menopause is a complete formula, peach-flavored, hormone-free, and approved by a gynecologist.
This supplement can be used from the first signs of perimenopause.
Specially developed to relieve discomforts related to menopause, it works on several fronts: it helps fight wrinkles and skin aging, reduces hot flashes and irritability, alleviates night sweats, and improves vaginal hydration.
Its formula contains hydrolyzed marine collagen, sage, horsetail extract standardized in silica, vitamin C, black cohosh, rosa centifolia, vitamin B3, probiotics, and vitamin B6.
The Let Go Complex combines targeted mushrooms and powerful adaptogenic plants to help the body cope with stress.
It calms nervous tensions, promotes relaxation, and helps fight sleep disorders.
The organic eschscholtzia extract promotes relaxation and helps to reduce stress-related symptoms, thereby facilitating falling asleep and restorative sleep.
The concentrated extract of lion's mane, known for its benefits on stress, fatigue, and nervous tension, is four times more potent than the whole mushroom.
As for the schisandra chinensis extract, it combats sleep disorders and promotes deep sleep.
The Female Cycle Complex has been specially formulated to support women's well-being during their menstrual cycle or perimenopause period.
Composed of vitamins, minerals, and medicinal plants, it regulates hormonal changes and reduces inflammation, thereby relieving the discomforts associated with premenstrual syndrome such as pain, cramps, fatigue, irritability, and headaches.
This dietary supplement can also alleviate pain related to endometriosis.
In addition, the Female Cycle Complex helps to combat perimenopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
During this transition period, premenstrual syndrome can be affected and much more difficult to endure for some women. Rosa centifolia helps to alleviate this syndrome, magnesium prevents stress, and myo-inositol acts on serotonin. Finally, yarrow extract has a sedative effect on the uterus and ovaries, soothing periodic abdominal cramps.
VII. When to consult a healthcare professional?
During perimenopause and menopause, consult a healthcare professional if:
- Your periods become very heavy or long.
- You are starting to bleed between periods.
- You have discharge or bleeding after menopause.
- You have bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- You are experiencing severe or persistent pain in the lower abdomen.
Abnormal bleeding can be related to changes in the endometrium or other medical conditions such as uterine polyps, which are important to detect and treat early. Sudden and unusual changes in symptoms should also be discussed with a healthcare professional for appropriate follow-up.
Furthermore, regular consultations allow monitoring the progression of this period and adapting treatments or dietary supplements according to individual needs for better well-being.
