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There are a LOT of symptoms that can be caused by perimenopause some of which I have already mentioned like hot flashes which is the one most folk seem to know about.
Here are some others which don’t get talked about much: super-dry skin, hair loss, increase in urination, incontinence, insomnia, joint pain, avalanche of overwhelm, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, painful sex or changes in how your vagina feels, ‘brain fog’ trouble remembering things or finding words, night sweats, rage, ‘flooding’ where you bleed a lot, more than a normal period. Some people have to stop or pause their usual activities because of the volume of blood, leg cramps, and waking at 3am etc.
As you can imagine all of these symptoms can have an impact on us not just physically but also emotionally.
The mood swings, frustration, irritability, feelings of anxiety and depression some people experience in peri-menopause and menopause could exacerbate pre-existing mental health symptoms and conditions.
For people who experience PMS or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms can worsen during the years of peri-menopause. The symptoms may be more severe, and as periods become increasingly irregular, symptoms can be more frequent and certainly much less predictable, making PMDD harder to manage.
Thankfully, PMS and PMDD symptoms generally come to an end at menopause, when the hormones finally level out and the body adjusts to its new normal.
But while hormonal fluctuations can impact on our emotional and mental health it is super important to acknowledge, at this time in life, women are expected to do an awful lot of emotional and physical labour. We are often responsible for other people, caring for children / teenagers, ageing parents and working. So, when we feel like we’re “loosing it” are “all over the place” and “emotional” – yes it could be menopause or an existing mental health condition but it can also be the circumstances and situational stressors which are happening and very real having a massive impact.
At each stage of life and when experiencing any physical or mental changes it is always important to check in with your GP. Before going along write down your symptoms and any questions you would like to ask. When there write down any information the GP offers which you would like to remember.
Perimenopause is also a good time to get update to with all your health checks too. Blood tests, cervical screening, and breast examination etc.
It's not uncommon for GPs to not know a lot about caring for people in peri-menopause and menopause. Don’t allow any GP to dismiss or minimise your symptoms and what you are experiencing. Don’t be silenced, channel your inner Enchantress (who is she you ask, we will get to that I promise) and continue your quest for answers elsewhere.
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