21 signs you may have entered perimenopause
21 Signs of Perimenopause That’ll Make You Laugh, Cry, or Both
Are you feeling like your body has turned into a made for TV drama with only a major attitude and a very sweaty body as your supporting cast? Or are you thinking you might be too young to be going though hormonal imbalances yet you seem to be separating at the seams each time a simple question is asked? Then you’re likely in the throes of the transition known as Perimenopause.
Welcome to the clan of chaos where myself and so many other women find themselves at battle. While every woman’s journey is unique and can happen at any age vaguely inside mid 30’s to 50’s, there are some classic signs of perimenopause we all hear about—and a few curveballs no one warns us about (because apparently, surprise is part of the package). Let’s start with the familiar foes before deep diving into the under-the-radar and honestly horrible symptoms of perimenopause.
The Top 10 Hits
1. Hot Flashes/Night Sweats
Ah, the burning inferno of your soul. This is the number one sign most women experience and complain about. If you are experiencing this, it signals the unavoidable point of no return. And let’s not forget those midnight sweats that make you question if you even need a comforter anymore. Spoiler: You don’t. But you do officially need to call your doctor!
2. Restlessness or Fatigue
Can’t sleep or can’t stay awake? Welcome to the cruel irony of perimenopause. You’re either counting sheep or face-planting into your coffee cup by noon. If you are like me then it might be time to load up on melatonin nighttime tea as well as increase your magnesium. (More on that in my next blog)
3. Weight Gain (a.k.a. Meno belly)
Suddenly, your jeans don’t fit, and your belly seems to have taken on a life of its own. This unfortunate side effect has been coined “meno belly,” but honestly, it feels more like a food baby that just won’t leave. And I know you don’t want to hear this but, it is helping you to regulate your hormones by producing a weaker version of estrogen called estrone. Yes, you heard it right… our bodies have recruited fat cells to produce the hormones we are lacking. Think of it as natures cure.
4. Muscle and Joint Pain
Are you feeling the creaky, achy or sometimes tingling feeling in some of your joints? It’s not because you skipped yoga or slept on your arm all night. But rather your joints and muscles have apparently decided to join the hormonal drama too. And once again my go to cure is a daily dose of Magnesium. When I take it I need only 5-10 minutes before I begin to feel relief. It’s a bit tricky with the dosage and type for each women and her specific needs. (more on this in my next blog)
5. Headaches or Migraines
Hormones play DJ to the pounding club that is your skull. Bonus points if you’re trying to parent, work, or exist while it happens. My natural cure is sparkling mineral water with pink Himalayan salt and a squeeze of lemon. It doesn’t taste good but it works!
6. Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Rage
One second, you’re crying over a cat video. The next, you’re raging about how the dishwasher was loaded (again). Hormones? Check. Sanity? TBD. More on this in my previous blog “Menopause and Mood swings”.
7. Irregular Periods
Think of it as Mother Nature’s way of saying, “You’re not in control.” Your period shows up whenever it feels like it—late, early, or not at all. One of the most tale tell signs for me was that it can last for 10-14 days. It’s not always a heavy flow during these “interesting” moments. But it’s always a bitch!
8. Decreased Libido
Your body’s like, “Netflix over chill?” It’s not you; it’s literally your hormones ghosting your sex drive. But fear not as this can be easily brought back to life when you find the balance with your bio identical hormones HRT. In fact it could find its way all the way back to your roaring 20’s and amen to that. Unfortunately this symptom comes with the absolutely uncomfortable feeling of vaginal dryness that can only be relieved with lubricant. HTR does not relieve this symptom and I find keeping a bottle of Aloe Vera close by does the trick. Also is smells amazing!
9. Brain Fog
Forgot where you put your keys? Or your glasses? Or your mind? Welcome to brain fog…a delightful haze where multitasking is just wishful thinking. I really really have tried to find a cure for my brain fog but I forgot…just kidding. You know those sneaky little mushroom ads that keep creeping up on your instagram feed. Well it turns out they really do help. Most especially Lions mane as well as the tried and true Omega 3 rich foods or supplements and of course my favorite Magnesium. Other natural supplements that can help include Vitamin D, Ginkgo Biloba, Rhodiola Rosea, and Ashwagandha to name a few.
10. Hair Loss or Hair Changes
Your hair, like your patience, seems to be thinning. Or, it’s decided to grow in weird places. Fun times, right? I deep dive into this subject on my blog “Hair today gone tomorrow” as this particular subject is near and dear to me and those around me.
The Wild Cards: 11 Signs You Didn’t Expect but Definitely Should Know About
Now that we’ve covered the usual suspects, let’s dive into the less glamorous (but equally important) symptoms no one puts on Instagram. These sneaky signs often get overlooked, but they can be just as impactful—if not more so.
11. Dizziness
Feel like you’re on a spinning teacup ride when you’re just standing up? That’s your hormones playing “ground is lava” with your balance. This is also your body’s way of letting you know you need to be more balanced to achieve more balance. So, let’s eat well, sleep well, stay hydrated and manage sugar intake and some the symptoms will gradually start to melt away.
12. Urinary Tract Infections
Frequent UTIs? Turns out, declining estrogen isn’t great news for your urinary health. In fact it thins out the tissues in our urethral and vaginal walls causing changes in the microbiome and may cause micro tears creating a breading ground for bacteria. It’s not just about cranberry juice anymore. We can prevent or manage UTI’s by including more probiotics in our daily diet, keep ourselves hydrated causing us to also urinate frequently which can help you flush out those unwanted guests. And let’s not forget about vaginal lube who can keep our #1 Bestie hydrated while also avoiding the possibility of micro tears and offers overall relief to vaginal dryness.
13. Weakened Fingernails
Your nails used to be Instagram-ready, and now they’re breaking like your patience during mood swings. Thanks, hormones! My go to remedy is Biotin, a supplement that will care for you hair, nails, and skin. Start with 10,000 mg each day for two weeks and then 2-3 times per week after that. Trust me you will thank me later.
14. Oral Problems (Burning Mouth Syndrome)
Are you suddenly assaulted with gingivitis, rancid breath, bleeding gums, or feeling like your tongue is on fire? Apparently, your mouth wants in on the action, too. This one can only be solved with an OCD level of oral hygiene which includes a soft toothbrush, gentle flossing, and medicated mouthwash (usually prescribed by your dentist) three times per day. Make sure to disinfect your toothbrush each time with the same mouthwash. There is no cheat day with this one! And it may take 2 weeks to 2 months to solve. Just stick to the plan and all will be well…eventually.
15. Itchy Skin
Do you have dry, itchy skin that has you scratching like a DJ? If so then your epidermis is feeling a hormonal drought. And the remedies are some seriously rich creams or oils such as almond oil, olive oil, urea cream, andor caledula cream. Yes, I know, more cream. Try to whip up your own cream using your favorite products. Make sure you exfoliate every other evening for maximum absorption. Also try to incorporate retinol in your nighttime skin care routine. It’s not just for your face anymore. In fact we should be slathering it on our whole body. I promise you will thank me later.
16. Formication (No, It’s Not What You Think)
This lovely term describes the tingling sensation of bugs crawling on your skin. Hormones, why are you like this? I found that staying hydrated, moisturizing like you mean it and also taking a cold shower can really help to relieve the symptoms. As for supplementation, I will always recommend my favorite magnesium as this mineral calms the nerves nervous system, and can reduce nerve related symptoms. Adding in omega-3’s, vitamin B complex, especially B6 and B12 and collagen supplements can also help in relieving this.
17. Digestive Issues
Let’s just say your gut is as moody as your emotions—diarrhea, bloating, or random discomfort? It’s all on the menu. These issues can be relieved in multiple different ways. Eating smart for a happy gut is your first line of defense. So don’t forget to include fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, and eating small and frequent meals. You can also reduce some of the triggers such as avoiding to eat spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol. Instead, opt for ginger, tea, peppermint tea, fennel tea, and even aloe vera juice. Additional supplements can include again magnesium digestive enzymes, and activated charcoal. Good luck and you are on your way to a happier gut.
18. Allergies
Do you feel you are allergic to more than you used to be? Or even worse, do you feel like you are allergic to the whole world? You might be. Your body’s immune system is throwing curveballs because, why not? It might be time to invest in an air purifier or change the filters in your house in order to keep your air quality at its best. And let’s talk about the immune system. It needs support which can come from vitamin C, omega-3, probiotics as well as honey. I’m a huge fan of Manuka honey (if you know then You Know). Herbal teas such peppermint, ginger, and needle tea all have natural antihistamine effects. And let’s not forget that during Covid the effects of seasonal allergies were much lower. So break out those masks and maybe even your disposition might improve as those scratchy little coverings keep everyone away.
19. Body Odor Changes
Your signature scent is now…not-so-signature. Hormones are shaking things up at the molecular level. Now might be the time to start using that glycolic acid peel you put all over your face to combat the signs of aging and include your armpits in your beauty routine. Trust me, it really works!
20. Dry Eyes and Mouth
Feeling as parched as the Sahara desert? Time to make hydration your new bestie. If water just isn’t exciting enough try green tea, fresh ginger and honey. Or you can kick start your morning with fresh lemon juice with honey as your prebreakfast drink which will cleanse the mouth and increase saliva production. These concoctions are delicious and affordable hot or cold. And leaving the best for last, aloe vera juice has a massive impact on hydration for your body as a whole including your salivary glands.
21. Itchy ear canal
I thought to add this overlooked irritation to the itchy skin category but it’s so specific and more common than you think. This strange but very real sensation comes again from our estrogen deficiency, and can affect all our skin and mucus membranes. What used to keep us soft, supple, and hydrated (even after a swim) is now gone and needs replacing. If your ears are itching, like crazy, a few drops of olive oil might be just what you need. Think of it as a little spa treatment for your ear canal. Just don’t go overboard, and if the itchiness sticks around, it might be time to check in with your doctor instead of your kitchen cupboards.
Perimenopause isn’t the end of anything, it’s just a messy, hormonal beginning to the next chapter. And the great part about it is that all of us women will or are going to pass through this together, and that connects us all. Stay fabulous, stay curious, and above all stay informed and maybe keep a fan handy.
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