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Healthy Dudley

What is menopause?

What is perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. It usually starts from the ages of 40 to 44 but can begin as early as the mid-30s. During this time, woman have symptoms of the menopause, but still have a period. This phase can last for several years.

Menopause is a normal part of ageing for women. It is when periods stop due to oestrogen levels lowering. Women are in menopause when they have not had a period for 12 months. This usually affects women from the ages of 45 to 55, but can happen earlier.

The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can impact women in a number of different aspects of life, including physical health and mental wellbeing, family, work and relationships.

Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause

Symptoms can be different for everyone. Common ones include:

Physical

  • Vasomotor Symptoms: Hot flushes, night sweats, and palpitations
  • Sleep Issues: Difficulty sleeping and insomnia
  • Pain and Discomfort: Headaches, muscle and joint pain.
  • Body Changes: Weight gain, changed body shape, dry and itchy skin
  • Sexual Health: Reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, and discomfort
  • Other: Fatigue, tiredness, urinary tract infections (cystitis) and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)

Mental health

  • Mood Changes: Anxiety, mood swings, low self-esteem, and low mood/depression
  • Cognitive Issues: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems
  • Emotional Distress: Panic attacks and ‘meno rage’ (intense anger)

Oestrogen levels

Oestrogen protects your bones and keeps your heart strong. As oestrogen levels lower during the menopause, it can make bones weak and affect your heart.

  • Studies show 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.
  • Lower levels of oestrogen can make fat build up in your arteries causing them to become narrower, leading to higher cholesterol levels. This can increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease, a heart attack or stroke.

There are ways to keep your bones and heart Stronger for longer: (hyperlink)