Could It Be Perimenopause?

Last Updated on April 23, 2024 by coach@lashapebody.com

If you are a woman in your late 30’s or 40’s and you are experiencing symptoms such —  sleep disturbances, free-floating anxiety, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, mood swings — you need to know that this is not all in your head!

It could be Perimenopause. 

These symptoms are often related to changes in your hormone levels and a decrease in ovulation, which also causes changes in your period cycles and your periods itself. 

You are experiencing Perimenopause, which usually begins about a decade before the onset of Menopause…. and you are far from being alone.

Approximately 47 million women in the world enter Perimenopause each year.

Even though every woman will go through Perimenopause, it is one of the least understood and most misdiagnosed stages in a woman’s life.

I told this to one of my friends who said, “Anna, I’m only 36. I don’t want to hear or think about it. I’m young. Why are you talking to me about Menopause?”

Because, I’ve come to realize that the decade before Menopause is crucial for paying attention to your body, health, and lifestyle choices.

“I feel run-down, irritated and lousy. I don’t sleep well. Another day I walked into the kitchen and forgot what I wanted.”

~ Amy, 42

There are many subtle changes that are occurring during Perimenopausal years in your body, symptoms that might show up out of the blue, leaving you confused and perhaps even scared.

Without the knowledge of those symptoms and understanding of why they are occurring, you can easily accept the “misdiagnosis” of them and consequently be “treated” inadequately.

Your knowledge of Perimenopause, its signs and symptoms is crucial. 

And that knowledge can (and should) become your personal power. 

• what is going on with your body — physically and psychologically 
• what lifestyle changes you need to make today that can have undeniable influence on how your Menopause will play out
• how those lifestyle changes can have a far-reaching outcome for your overall health 

Just knowing what’s going on inside your body may be enough to make a real difference in the way you feel.

“My breasts are swollen and sore. I’m so bloated that I can’t zip my pants. On top of it I get these dark depression-like feelings.”

~ Sally, 43

Some women are more vulnerable to hormone changes than others.

Some (based on my own experiences, very few) have mild, almost symptoms-free Perimenopause. Those are the lucky ones.

But most of us encounter Perimenopause as a wild, painful experience, full of anxiety, heart palpitations, pains and aches, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, night sweats and many more common and uncommon symptoms that are almost always Perimenopause related but unfortunately misdiagnosed and consequently mis-treated.

I’ve met many women whose symptoms were treated inadequately.

It is a tragedy when you ask your doctor for help and your complaints get downplayed or dismissed to be Peri/Menopause related. 

“I’ve gained 10 pounds last month. I exercise regularly, eat healthy… still the scale won’t change. No one believes that I really watch what I eat.”

“I haven’t had my periods for 3 months, then it came all of a sudden when I least expected it and lasted for two weeks.”

“My doctor told me that what I had was a panic disorder and prescribed me Prozac. It just didn’t add up to me. Yes, I had been feeling anxious several times during the day. Also the other day I had a meltdown when a delivery truck scratched my car. But then a few days later my period came, so I figured I was PMS-ing.”

The last thing your doctor would attribute such symptoms to is Perimenopause. No wonder you spend months or even years making the rounds of internists, neurologists, psychiatrists and other specialists looking for an answer to the vague, often difficult-to-define changes in your body. 

Unfortunately, Perimenopause is still today’s most misdiagnosed condition. 

So What’s The Solution?

Keep track of any symptoms you might be experiencing. You should note when the symptoms occur, the intensity, and anything else that could help you describe their nature. This can help you get a picture of when the symptoms are occurring in relation to your periods.

Get your yearly checkups. Perimenopause symptoms are unfortunately often misdiagnosed, it is still important to rule out any potential underlying issues. I say “When all is ruled out, then what you are dealing with is Perimenopause.” I’ve heard countless times about uncommon and weird symptoms. 

Keep educating yourself about the symptoms of Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause. There are online forums, private groups that are dedicated to helping Menopausal women. You can also join my private community if you wish to learn about natural ways to ease Peri/Menopause symptoms and lifestyle changes that can contribute to resolving those troubles.

Conclusion:

Navigating Perimenopause can be a complex and challenging journey for many women, filled with physical and emotional changes that can be difficult to understand and manage. 

It’s essential to remember that you are not alone in this experience. There are resources and support available to help you through this transitional phase. 

By staying informed, tracking your symptoms, and seeking regular checkups, you can empower yourself to take control of your health and well-being during Perimenopause. 

Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding Perimenopause is the first step towards embracing this new chapter in your life with confidence and resilience.

With all my ❤️,

Anna T.