Common signs you're in perimenopause

Overview

Dr Unnati Desai National Lead for GP Services

The years leading up to the menopause can be a difficult time due to the hormonal changes that occur, but help is available. Dr Unnati Desai, National Lead for GP Services at Nuffield Health explains the main symptoms that could mean you’re experiencing perimenopause, and how to get support.

In the UK, the average age of menopause, or the last menstrual period, is 51. Many people find, often without realising at first, that they're experiencing symptoms caused by hormonal changes, which can start in your early 40s.

Perimenopause is the period of time where these hormonal changes and symptoms start to occur, up until your last period.

Symptoms of perimenopause

Many people may not associate some of these symptoms with hormonal changes, as a number of them are vague and often linked to normal life events or stresses.

Perimenopause can affect people in different ways, but the symptoms are largely grouped into 5 main categories:

1. Bleeding problems

Heavy and frequent periods, which can result in anaemia.

2. Vasomotor symptoms

Hot flushes and night sweats, which can disrupt work in the day and sleep in the night.

3. Psychological symptoms

Low mood, brain fog, loss of mental clarity, anxiety, fatigue, memory loss and poor concentration – all of which can have an impact on performance at work.

4. Pelvic symptoms

Also known as genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GSM):

Urinary symptoms: Urinary incontinence (UI), vaginal prolapse, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Vaginal symptoms: Dryness, irritation and itching
Sexual symptoms: Pain, impaired function, lack of lubrication and low libido.

5. Physical changes

Hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, weight gain, bloating, poor sleep and changes in odour.

Health implications

Menopause symptoms can mean you're at an increased risk of developing other conditions, such as:

Help is at hand

If you’re suffering with menopause symptoms, you’re not alone. Talking about it is the first step to taking back control of your quality of life. Ask your GP for help – it may be as simple as revisiting contraception choices, or it may be worth exploring appropriate hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

And if you’re having difficulty coping with the symptoms emotionally, speaking about it with people you trust, or a mental health specialist, can help.

For more support visit our menopause advice hub

Last updated Thursday 9 March 2023

First published on Friday 29 April 2016

Women's Health Menopause