Perimenopause: the little-known symptoms of menopause

While menopause is a well-known subject that is discussed openly, perimenopause is much less so. It marks the transition period during which the body goes through hormonal fluctuations. This phase, often early and little known, can begin around 35 to 40 and last several years.

When we talk about perimenopause, the most visible signs are disrupted menstrual cycles (irregular periods) and night-time hot flushes. But other, more subtle symptoms (fatigue, anxiety, mood changes) can also affect quality of life. There are ways to support this hormonal change and soothe these signs.

Perimenopause is the period of hormonal transition that comes before menopause. The very first signs of perimenopause and symptoms linked to hormone fluctuations can appear from the age of 35 for some women, while others notice them around 40.

This period is characterised by a decrease in the number of ovarian follicles (the small sacs that contain the eggs), accompanied by a gradual fall in female hormone levels, notably progesterone and oestrogen. This imbalance affects the menstrual cycle and can cause many symptoms. It is a hormonal imbalance behind many of the signs that herald menopause, which can disrupt quality of life.

It is sometimes a harder time to live through than menopause itself. Once menopause is established, hormones settle, and a calmer period can follow after a few years.

Perimenopause is a transitional period in a woman's life, marked by a variety of symptoms that can differ in nature and intensity from one woman to another.

1) Hot flushes: sudden episodes of intense heat.

2) Night sweats: excessive sweating during the night.

3) Insomnia: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

4 ) Fatigue: feeling of weariness and lack of energy.

5) Irritability: emotional hypersensitivity, with a tendency to react more strongly to everyday situations.

6) Anxiety: a feeling of worry or inner tension for no apparent reason, sometimes accompanied by physical discomfort.

7) Low mood: a lasting low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, which may be linked to hormonal changes. If this applies to you, talk to your doctor.

8) Forgetfulness: difficulty remembering certain information, often temporary.

9) Dizziness: a spinning sensation or feeling of unsteadiness, sometimes associated with hormonal changes or fatigue.

10) Palpitations: an unusual or racing awareness of your heartbeat, often harmless but alarming. If in doubt, seek medical advice.

11) Headaches: more frequent or more intense, sometimes similar to hormonal migraines.

12) Weight gain: build-up of body fat, particularly around the belly, despite an unchanged diet.

13) Dry skin: loss of elasticity and skin comfort, linked to falling oestrogen levels.

14) Itching: tingling or itching sensations with no obvious cause, often linked to dry skin.

15) Joint pain: stiffness or pain in the joints, particularly on waking or after exertion.

16) Muscle pain: unusual aches or muscle tension, sometimes widespread.

17) Urinary incontinence: involuntary leaks, particularly when exercising, laughing or coughing.

18) Vaginal dryness: reduced vaginal lubrication, which can cause discomfort and pain during intercourse.

19) Reduced libido: lower sexual desire linked to hormonal changes and general fatigue.

20) Urinary problems: frequent urges to urinate, burning sensations or discomfort. These signs call for medical advice to rule out an infection.

21) Bloating: a swollen or tight belly, sometimes associated with hormone-related digestive problems.

22) Constipation: slower bowel transit, often influenced by hormones.

23) Diarrhoea: more frequent or looser stools, sometimes cyclical.

24) Food intolerances: sudden difficulty digesting certain foods that were previously well tolerated.

25) Increased allergies: more frequent or more pronounced allergic reactions, sometimes linked to hormonal sensitivity.

26) Dry mouth: reduced saliva production, causing discomfort and a persistent feeling of thirst.

27) Bad breath: more noticeable breath, linked to a dry mouth or digestive changes.

28) Hair loss: increased shedding or thinner hair, linked to hormonal changes.

29) Brittle nails: greater nail fragility, with nails that split or break easily.

30) Irregular periods: unpredictable menstrual cycles, shorter, longer or more spaced out.

31) Heavy bleeding: heavier periods than usual, sometimes prolonged. Medical advice is recommended.

32) Light bleeding: light spotting between periods. Medical advice is recommended.

33) Back pain: frequent lower or upper back pain, sometimes linked to muscle and hormonal tension.

34) Difficulty concentrating: trouble staying focused, a feeling of "brain fog".

35) Dizziness and palpitations: a combination of feeling off balance and a racing heartbeat, often temporary.

During this period of hormonal transition, the most common sign is irregular periods, a reflection of disrupted cycles and unexpected changes in flow. Bleeding can stop for a cycle or two and then return, or, conversely, change in length and intensity. Irregular periods are often the first sign.

It is worth knowing that menopause is confirmed once 12 months have passed without a period.

• Hot flushes and night sweats are among the most common heat-related symptoms of perimenopause, mainly linked to hormonal fluctuations.
• The drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt the regulation of body temperature, causing these sensations of intense heat, particularly during physical activity. There are ways to support these uncomfortable signs.

The hormonal changes of perimenopause can also cause emotional symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and low mood. Falling oestrogen levels can influence serotonin, a brain messenger involved in mood and emotional wellbeing. Everyday stress often makes these symptoms worse.

• Fatigue and insomnia are recurring symptoms during the transition of perimenopause. The drop in oestrogen and progesterone can disrupt certain brain messengers involved in sleep.
• Night sweats and hot flushes can make these problems worse, leading to lasting fatigue, difficulty concentrating and reduced daily activity. Good lifestyle habits, a regular sleep routine and relaxation techniques can help you regain a better balance.

Perimenopause can affect the skin because of hormonal fluctuations. Reduced oestrogen leads to a loss of elasticity and hydration, making the skin drier and thinner. This often shows up as wrinkles, dark spots and increased sensitivity.

Perimenopause is frequently accompanied by metabolic blockages that can come as a surprise, even for women whose weight has always been stable. Weight gain, particularly around the belly, along with bloating and a feeling of slower digestion, are among the most common signs.

These changes are largely linked to hormonal fluctuations, notably the gradual drop in oestrogen. These hormones play a role in regulating metabolism, insulin sensitivity and fat distribution. When their levels fall, the body tends to store more, especially around the belly.

The hormonal changes of perimenopause can also influence the nervous system, which plays a part in managing stress and sleep. This can show up as irritability, sleep problems and mood swings. Chronic stress can make these symptoms worse.

Vaginal dryness and reduced lubrication are common intimate symptoms during perimenopause. The drop in oestrogen changes the hydration of vaginal tissues, which can cause discomfort and pain during intercourse.

Other symptoms of perimenopause that are also commonly seen include:

• Hot flushes,
• Breast pain,
• Joint pain, loss of bone mass,
• Weight gain,
• Bloating,
• Fatigue,
• Sleep problems,
• Headaches,
• Dizziness,
• Hair loss,
• Vaginal dryness,
• Mood swings, anxiety, or even a lasting low mood.

These symptoms can set in during perimenopause and continue into menopause.

Some women also experience less common, even little-known, symptoms.

The decrease and then the end of oestrogen and progesterone production can lead to a loss of pelvic floor muscle tone. In some cases, this causes small urinary leaks, known as urinary incontinence.

There are two types of incontinence to distinguish: stress incontinence (sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting) and urge incontinence (the bladder contracts without you having decided it).

Hormones can influence the tissue of the eye and tear production. When oestrogen levels fall, the eye can become dry. The eyes then become irritated and dry, and vision can become blurred. A regular eye check-up is recommended at this stage of life.

It is common to experience difficulties with memory and concentration during perimenopause. Reduced oestrogen and progesterone levels can influence cognitive abilities, with difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.

Sleep problems and chronic stress can also make these symptoms worse.

The brain contains oestrogen receptors that help it work better and contribute to memory and verbal fluency. When oestrogen levels begin to fall, some women may notice everyday forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating. These problems often ease over time, after menopause.

Perimenopause can coincide with changes in cardiovascular health. The drop in oestrogen is associated with a change in cardiovascular risk, which is why regular medical monitoring (blood pressure, blood tests) is important from this stage onwards.

Perimenopause also shows up as fatigue, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. These discomforts are often linked to hormonal changes and sleep problems.

Perimenopause can be accompanied by digestive problems (constipation, diarrhoea, bloating). Hormonal fluctuations can influence the rhythm of the gut, which partly explains these symptoms. Chronic stress can make them worse.

Changes in the menstrual cycle are one of the first signs of perimenopause. Periods can become irregular, heavier or lighter, and you may notice bleeding between cycles. These variations reflect the hormonal transition under way.

During perimenopause, food intolerances can become more pronounced because of hormonal changes and digestive problems.

Perimenopause can cause a dry mouth and dental discomfort, linked to the drop in oestrogen.

The health of nails and hair can be influenced by hormonal changes. It is common to notice hair loss, nail fragility and changes in their texture.

There is a lot of talk about hot flushes during this stage of a woman's life, and much less about cold flushes! This feeling of cold can occur when the body tries to get rid of heat by sweating more. It is the sweat that can then cause chills.

The drop in oestrogen can reduce mucus production, including in the mouth. The mouth becomes drier, which can change how taste is perceived, sometimes with a bitter or metallic sensation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of a nerve in the wrist, which can cause pins and needles, tingling and reduced strength in the hand. It can also appear during a major hormonal upheaval. If it bothers you, talk to your doctor.

Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen persist in many women during perimenopause, and sometimes even after menopause. They often correspond to contractions of the muscles of the uterus. This pain can radiate to the lower back and thighs. When menopause arrives, it can intensify, often with bloating, a feeling of heaviness and weight gain around the belly.

Several causes can explain lower abdominal pain during perimenopause and menopause:

• Gut problems
• Muscle cramps
• Long-term effects of possible urinary infections

It may be worth considering a detox course such as [MY] Detox elixir to ease a heavy belly, and increasing your intake of fibre and probiotics. If the pain persists, consult your doctor.

To relieve the symptoms of perimenopause, it is best to take a global and early approach. It combines lifestyle adjustments, good stress management, medical monitoring of hormonal changes and, if you wish, suitable supplements. This approach aims to balance the body, soothe anxiety and ease the signs of this transitional period.

Food supplements for menopause are designed to support this period of hormonal transition by supporting overall wellbeing. They can help you cope better with common discomforts such as hot flushes, sleep problems, fatigue or mood changes, alongside a balanced lifestyle.

It is worth knowing that the medical care offered during perimenopause, including hormonal care, is not intended to delay menopause. It is discussed with your doctor or gynaecologist on a case-by-case basis, depending on the intensity of your symptoms.

Today, many women are looking for an alternative to hormonal approaches and for natural solutions for menopause and perimenopause.

A word of caution, however: not all natural products are equal. Some, notably those based on soy, contain compounds with hormonal activity and are not suitable for every woman. It is therefore important to check the ingredients, avoid controversial ones and ask your doctor for advice.

MiYé has developed a menopause range made of 99% natural and ORGANIC active ingredients, free from controversial ingredients, tested under medical supervision and made in France, such as: [MY] Women's Balance Essentials and [MY] Serenity Essentials.

Perimenopause is a period to take seriously, as the symptoms it causes can weigh on quality of life. Whatever discomforts you experience, there are now ways to regain comfort in everyday life. For many women, these symptoms ease once menopause is established ✨

Regular medical monitoring by a healthcare professional is important for every woman. It helps to spot symptoms early, follow changes in hormones and put in place solutions suited to this hormonal transition. We do not aim to replace your doctor: food supplements are not a substitute for medical follow-up or a varied, balanced diet.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol and keeping up regular physical activity all help to support the body's balance and reduce uncomfortable signs. Combining a balanced diet with relaxation techniques helps to soothe anxiety and support the body through this transitional phase, whatever your age.