Recognising What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause? can help people observe changes occurring in their bodies and learn how to handle them properly. There are over 34 symptoms related to perimenopause, but luckily, you may experience only a fewâor none at allâand we genuinely hope thatâs the case for you.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the the transitional period that lead to menopause, a natural condition during which your your ovaries stop producing eggs and you canât produce. During this stage, estrogen levels begin to decrease and you may suffer various symptoms, including the most common hot flashes and night sweats.
What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause? âThe most prominent symptom associated with perimenopause is menses delay,â says Nathan Goodyear, M.D., medical director of Brio-Medical in Scottsdale, AZ. In perimenopause, your periods gradually become less frequent until they stop entirely. One year after you last see red on your TP, you are in menopause. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause may not give you pause (see what we did there?), but others can be quite literally life-altering.
You does not need to just smile and keep it. Pay close attention to whatâs going on, advises Jerilynn Prior, M.D., a professor of endocrinology at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada. She suggests writing it all down in a journal (or recording it in an app, or whatever works for you.) âKeeping a record of whatâs going on gives you at least a sense of control over these changes,â says Prior. It also gives you a detailed account to take to your doctor.
If or when you start Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT, or HT), which can help soothe many of the symptoms of perimenopause, this log can help you and your doctor to determine how well the treatment is working, so they can adjust your dosage if needed. Weâve kept you waiting breathless long enoughâŚdrumroll, please!
What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause? Behold, the 34 signs of perimenopause, in alphabetical order.
What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause? They are here in Detail.
1. Anxiety
Hormonal changes can impact your emotions, too, according to every woman who has ever been in perimenopause, but also the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). Thereâs small research specially looking at the impact of the hormonal change on anxiety, although the link is evident.
Concerned about symptoms may contribute to that anxiety: You might fear about sweating through your shirt at an unsuitable time, or if you can sit through a play if you have to urinate every 30 seconds, for example. In besides to hormone therapy, an antidepressant or antianxiety medications can help as are able to raising your self-care game. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
2. Depression
âIf a woman has a history of depression, then the downswings in estrogen can trigger it [during perimenopause],â states Prior. Women at the greatest danger are those who have had it before. But as a group, weâre more exposed at this time, according to the Menopause Community. Thatâs because these same hormones also regulate serotonin hormone the brain chemical that stimulates feelings of happiness and well-being.
When serotonin declines, along with progesterone and estrogen, feelings of anxiety and sadness usually increase. âTalk to your doctor immediately if you are experiencing changes in your mood, as itâs important to rule out an underlying major depressive disorder as well as have a conversation about starting medications such as antidepressants or estrogen therapy, which are known to help improve symptoms of depression during perimenopause,â says Kristen Fuller, M.D. a physician and mental health expert. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
3. Painful Sex
Some women develop vaginal dehydration as a side effect of estrogen reduction. This, alongside with a thinning of the vaginal walls and vulva can make sex painful, according to the NAMS, or even painful as the tissues become more weak and prone to tearing during sex.
This can sometimes produce minor bleeding or spotting after interaction. If using lubricants doesnât make sex joyful again, your doctor can recommend vaginal hormone creams, rings, or medications that can help. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
4. Heart Palpitations
If youâve ever had your heart suddenly start beating, vibrating, or racing while doing something boring like waiting in line at the grocery store, youâll know how disconcerting this symptom can be.
Heart heart racing are a typical indication of perimenopause and a direct result of decreasing estrogen levels, which can lead to an excessive stimulation of the heart. Luckily these bouts are usually innocuous, but donât dismiss them if they happen to you. Your doctor may want to do certain tests to rule out any possible underlying problems with your ticker. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
5. Panic attacks
The variations in hormone levels, combined with the other symptoms of perimenopause can leave many women feeling confused, apprehensive, and even frantic. But going through regular sensations of high anxiety or panic attacks (which consist of symptoms like chest discomfort, fainting, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath) can be an indication that youâre developing panic disorder, as some women do throughout menopause, adds NAMS. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
If you were subjected to anxiety in the past or had after delivery depression, you may be more probable to encounter panic attacks now. If you encounter an anxiety attack, focus on slowing down your inhalation until it disappears. Then, tell your doctor about it. âPanic attacks are very distressing and should be properly managed and treated,â says Fuller. Some drugs can help, including HRT.
6. Skin feeling creepy crawly
If youâve witnessed an awful irritating feeling, like an army of ants creeping under your skin, this is called formication. It can be driven by pins and needles and discomfort.
âIt is likely related to a very increased level of the central stress hormone norepinephrine, which increases with estrogen downswings in perimenopause,â adds Prior. The antihistamine and HRT may help to eliminate the creepy crawlies, and lotion can assist if dry skin is making it more severe. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
7. Slower metabolism
So youâre eating the same healthy diet as a period ago, but gaining weight? You may thank the decline in estrogen for interfering with your metabolic processes, too.
During perimenopause, you are vulnerable to losing muscle mass, which decreases your calorie use and contributes to accumulating on pounds, mainly around the middle. To combat your weak metabolism, you may need to begin moving more (including doing more weight training) and eating less. To keep your present weight, youâll probably need to cut 200 calories every day. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
8. Snoring
Many women establish Snoring (to breathe during sleep with a rough hoarse noise due to vibration of the soft palate) during perimenopause. This is generally bound to menopausal weight rise, but it may also be somewhat related to the drop in oestrogen and progesterone, which are known to preserve against snoring.
Gaining weight raises your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnoea, a disorder in which your breathing stops for small periods of time while you fall asleep. To maintain regular oxygen consumption during the night, you may need a constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. Talk to your doctor if you think you have started to snore or if your partner says you have. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
9. Sore breasts
Hormonal shifts could induce breast tenderness, commonly termed mastalgia. This is because shifts in estrogen cause the fluid to accumulate up in the female breasts, making them feel full and mindful.
If youâve suffered boob soreness in the past around your periods, itâs usual to watch this experience worsen around perimenopause, when hormone shifts are considerably more intense. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
10. Urinary leakage
As estrogen levels decrease, there can be a thinning of the lining of the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder), and itâs common for pelvic muscles to begin to weaken with time.
Next thing you understand that youâre urinating yourself in your Pilates class. Although urine urinary tract infections is prevalent, according to NAMS, it doesnât have to be your new routine. Exercises like Kegels might assist to strengthens the area and avoid leakage. Talk to your doctor or a pelvic level physiotherapist about your treatment choices. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
11. Urinary tract infections
The same alterations to your urethra and bladder outlined above can make you more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), too, according to ACOG.
A weaker urethra makes it less difficult for germs to enter and move up to your gall bladder, moreover estrogen enhances the level of helpful bacteria that often live in the area, so without it, you have less protection against hazardous bacteria. A vaginal estrogen or low-dose antibiotics can help prevent repeated UTIs. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
12. Vaginal dryness
During the years leading up to menopause, itâs typical to suffer concerns with vaginal dehydration, says Goodyear. As your estrogen levels fall, the tissues of the vulva and the lining of the vagina can become less humid, thinner, and less flexible (which is known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and used to be known to as vaginal weakness).
At least half of women will confront this during perimenopause and menopause. In addition to HRT and vaginal estrogen, specific oils can give you some relief. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
13. Vaginal itching
Vaginal dryness might come with a burning or itching feeling. Often, a vaginal moisturiser or lubricant may suffice. Consult your doctor to rule out other potential causes of your severe discomfort, which could or might not be connected to perimenopause. For example, A prolapsed bladder, an inflamed bladder, or a urinary tract infection would all call for therapy. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
14. Varicose veins
About 31% of women have varicose veins by menopause. Oestrogen and progesterone help to maintain vascular health; hence, as their levels fall during perimenopause, you may be more likely to have faulty vein valves and a higher risk of blood pooling in your legs and ankles, especially causing veins in those areas to rise to the surface of the skin.
They can also appear in the pelvic region, particularly if you have given birth. Apart from seeking to conceal them with cosmetics, varicose veins can be uncomfortable, causing irritation, itchiness, and swelling. Your doctor can recommend medicinal therapies that could help; thus, talk about your options with him or her. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
15. Gaining weight
An increasing waistline is a classic indicator of midlife for good cause. Some additional weight is believed to be connected to the decline in oestrogen during perimenopause as this reduces your metabolism.
As you approach menopause, managing a chronic disease such as diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sleep apnoea may increase your risk of weight gain. Talk to your doctor about a secondary problem such a side effect of a new medication or thyroid issue if a healthy diet and exercise don’t appear to help you control your gains. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
16. Strange dreams
Many women in perimenopause frequently bemoan poor sleep. One of the causes is vivid dreaming; the National Sleep Foundation reports that as many as 46% of women struggle to get enough zzzs during this period. Less oestrogen and progesterone can result in more REM sleep hours, the stage at which most dreams occur.
Your dreams may seem more real since you are closer to waking during this sleep cycle. All the physical changes and stress swirling around this life phase then can offer plenty of material for a peculiar, and occasionally disturbing dream life.
Usually, vivid dreaming is not a problem unless it is stressing you out or preventing you sleep. Talk to your doctor if your strange dreams are causing you to lose sleep. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
- Also Read : The 10 Best Cities to Visit in Spring 2025
- The Secret Superfoodâs for a Healthier Heart
17. Dyspepsia
You skipped the tacos, so what conveys? The regular rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone at this time might provoke IBS symptoms like indigestion, diarrhoea, and diarrhea.
In addition to not eating too close to bedtime, avoid triggering foods and apparel thatâs restricting around your stomach when you off a larger meal. Over-the-counter antacid medications can help treat heartburn and indigestion. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
18. Lack of sleep
Between the hot flashes, the desire to urinate, sleep apnea, and modest mood, there are many of potential sleep stealers. And, as luck would have it, the sleep impoverishment that follows might make the mental health problems worse.
âPoor sleep, lack of sleep, and interrupted sleep can worsen depressive and anxiety symptoms,â says Fuller. In addition to hormone therapy, certain drugs (such selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) might help, Johns Hopkins says. Gaining regular exercise, going to bed at an in tune period, and keeping your bedroom peaceful and dark might help set you up for better zzzâs. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
19. Irritability
About 4 in 10 women detect mood symptoms during this time, according to ACOG, and one of those emotions is I Hate Everyone. Oh, and everything.
Although it could feel a little like PMS on steroids, perimenopausal mood problems will arise at periods unrelated to your monthly cycle. HRT will definitely help with this, as will getting more sleep, working out, and doing anything that reduces tension and anxiety, such yoga, writing, or prayers. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
20. Loss of sexual interest
A decline in sex drive isnât unavoidable, but it is frequent during perimenopause, according to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). This is partly because the repercussions of dropping estrogen levels arenât precisely seductive (vaginal dryness, hot flashes, depression, and so on).
Studies suggest that roughly a third of women express decreased desire and that low sexual desire is troublesome for about one in three of those women. âIf you are affected by low libido or this is becoming a problem in your relationship, it can be a good idea to talk to your doctor as well as a therapist,â adds Fuller.
A variety of measures, including couples therapy and possible tweaks to any libido-killing medications you may be on (such antidepressants or blood pressure pills), may help, according to NAMS. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
21. Aching ankles, knees, wrists, shoulders, heels
If that old skiing (or newish pickleball) injury is acting up, or youâre suddenly waking up with stiff joints, it could be connected to your declining estrogen levels. Thatâs because estrogen helps reduce inflammation. Without it, many women notice more stiffness and swelling around their joints. So-called âmenopausal arthritisâ can also lead to stiffness in hands and fingers (1).
In addition to HT, if youâre dealing with a lot of hot flashes (more on that below) your doctor might suggest watching your fluid intake. Why? Dehydration can make joint pain worse. Applying heat or soaking in a hot bath can provide relief. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
22. Lower back pain
As your body adapts to the hormonal shifts of perimenopause, itâs not unusual to encounter a few new aches and pains. Lower estrogen levels might damage the muscles and ligaments that support your spine. Carrying a few extra pounds, a reduction in bone density, and the impact of inflammation (which research reveals is associated to this life stage) can also lead to low back discomfort.
This bothersome condition affects up to 50 percent of perimenopausal women. Managing weight gain and being active, particularly with mobility-related exercise like yoga and stretching, can help. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
23. Memory lapses
You failed to log into a meeting, canât recall the name of that actor, and have arrived at the market with no idea what youâre supposed to be shopping for. Welcome to midlife brain fogâyes, itâs a thing.
The decrease of estrogen and progesterone impacts the brain, too, basically disrupting our circuitry associated to memory function. Brain fog is typical, but you can fight back with a brain-supportive diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in eggs, seeds, fish, and nuts), doing what you can to promote better sleep and taking frequent exercise to destress and boost emotional wellness. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
24. Migraine headaches
For women who battle with migraines, the hormonal shifts during perimenopause might induce more frequent and severe attacks. The good news is that as you enter menopause, and estrogen and testosterone levels hit a constant low, your migraines should fade out, or possibly disappear completely.
Until then, taking a magnesium supplement can help, or talk to your doctor about starting or changing an existing prescription drug for migraines.
And if you are considering HRT to address your other symptoms, itâs worth knowing that it may increase migraines if you get auras, says the AMF. In that instance, combined oral contraceptives can be effective for women under age 50. Ask your doctor for further info. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
25. Mood swings
As many as 20 percent of women may develop mood disorders during perimenopause, according to ACOG. For some itâs irritation, tearfulness, or poor energy that might appear practically identical to PMS, adds Fuller.
The significant distinction is that these symptoms might come at times seemingly unrelated to your menstrual cycle. Although these arenât directly connected to hormone levels, your other symptoms and the uncertainty of this life period are bound to make you moody. The biggest predictors of mood symptoms in midlife include stress, poor general health, and a history of depression. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
26. Night sweats
If youâre waking in the wee hours drenched in sweat, youâre not alone. According to Goodyear, night sweats are one of the most typical symptoms of perimenopause. Between 20 and 40 percent of women have these abrupt, powerful waves of body heat followed by flushing and sweating that last several minutes and commonly hit during the nights.
To gain relief, wear lightweight pajamas, use a cooling pillow, plug in a bedroom fan, and sip cold water during the night. There is also medicine you can take for hot flashes, so ask your doctor if youâre a candidate for that or HT, which can also help. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
27. Osteoporosis
This condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures, frequently develops slowly, after the age of 30, as bone breakdown starts to outstrip bone buildup.
There is a direct correlation between the lack of estrogen during perimenopause, and menopause, and a decrease of bone mass. Women over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk of having osteoporosis. HRT is believed to help prevent or halt bone loss and minimise the incidence of fractures. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
28. Frequent gas-passing
So that bloating symptom we discussed about earlier? Itâs often accompanied with passing gas. If the normal lifestyle improvements (including not chewing gum, avoiding triggering meals, and limiting salt intake) arenât working, over-the-counter gas drugs might do the trick. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
29. Frequent need to pee
As you approach towards menopause, the large decrease in estrogen weakens the bladder and causes atrophy of the vagina and urinary tract.
This can leave you feeling like you need to urinate more often and with more urgency (often called urge incontinence). Pee leaks when you laugh, cough or jog (called stress incontinence) are common, too. You may also encounter more frequent urinary tract infections, a sign of which is needing to pee all the time . What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
30. Facial Hair
As reproductive hormones vary, you could detect a few new âtestosterone-fuelledâ coarse hairs on your chin or upper lip (6). If you want them gone, lean into the tried-and-true hair removal treatments you already know and love, such tweezing, waxing, threading, laser, electrolysis and/or depilatory lotions. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
31. Hair loss
âFor many women, hair is part of the female identity, so hair loss can be devastating to their mental and emotional health,â adds Fuller. Unfortunately, itâs not uncommon to observe your ponytail shortening throughout this life period. Since estrogen stimulates hair growth, density, and fullness, during perimenopause, itâs typical to observe greater shedding, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
With age, women are also more likely to have androgenic alopecia, A.K.A. female pattern baldness, which causes overall thinning and bald spots. If you are experiencing signs of serious hair loss, consult to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. An over-the-counter medicine containing the chemical minoxidil might help, or your doctor can prescribe alternative therapies. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
32. Hot flashes
For 10 to 15 percent of women, hot flashes, which are thought to be produced by hormonal alterations to the brainâs thermoregulatory region, are so strong that they interrupt daily living. This is a tremendous pain, making you late for everything since you have to change clothing multiple times before you leave the house, and then strip down to a tank top when everyone else is experiencing sweater weather.
In addition to HRT, acupuncture is a highly effective treatment. Tricks like avoiding triggers (which could include coffee or red wine), wearing layers and even carrying a portable fan can also help. Hot flashes may last several years, however they tend to be most frequent in the two years after you transition to menopause. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
33. Bloating
If you must unbutton your jeans under the tableâ even though you only ate a modest amount of ramenâyou may have âmenopause belly.â When estrogen levels spike it can cause your body to retain water, which leads to bloating. You might also be experiencing more gas, thanks to slowed digestion and/or changes to your appetite.Â
Staying hydrated, avoiding carbonated drinks and known trigger foods ( beans, broccoli, and spicy dishes), and eating smaller meals can all help. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
34. Dizzy spells
According to one study, around 35 percent of perimenopausal individuals experienced dizziness at least once a week. Changing hormone levels may lead to alterations in metabolism that make blood sugar levels less steady, which can make you faint when they decline.
âEating small meals, staying hydrated, and maintaining an exercise regimen can help to keep glucose levels steady throughout the day,â notes Fuller. Research suggests that the decline in sexual hormones can also enhance your risk of suffering vertigo and headaches that can be supported by dizziness. If youâre feeling vertigo, see your doctor to rule out an inner ear disease. âStaying hydrated, getting on a healthy sleep schedule, and maintaining steady blood glucose levels throughout the day can help with symptoms of vertigo (4) related to hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause,â explains Fuller. What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
What’s about Perimenopause Test?
Speak with your doctor if you’ve observed a significant shift in your period and can identify several of the symptoms listed here. You and your doctor can decide if you have reached the transition, but there is no surefire test to identify whether you are in perimenopause. According to Goodyear, “the appropriate perimenopause stage is identified if the timing, age, symptoms, and cycle delay match.” What are the 34 Symptoms of Perimenopause?
