The 8 signs of perimenopause – that can start in your 30s
WHETHER it's in a biology class or from their own mum, most women are told that one day they will inevitably go through the menopause.
Yet, the time in the run up to the change - known as the perimenopause - is something that is rarely discussed.
For some women it can start as early as in their thirties - and last for several years until menopause hits.
A woman is considered to have officially reached menopause when she hasn't had a period for 12 consecutive months - and the average age is 52.
So most women up expect to have generally stable time until reaching around middle age.
But this isn't always the case and some may find themselves experiencing a whole host of symptoms brought on by hormonal instability much earlier - and even for some time afterwards.
It's not just the stereotypical images of hot flushes either.
Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, 53, was diagnosed with perimenopause after several trips to the doctor and later co-founded the group to raise awareness of symptoms.
She told : “From a receding hairline, which I was told was male pattern baldness, to palpitations that meant I ended up in A&E one night after work.
"Then, paranoia and anxiety, and eventually wondering why I couldn’t just jump in a river and escape everything. I never knew menopause could be so bad.”
Here are some of the signs of perimenopause to look out for...
1. Mood swings
We can all get upset every now and again, but perimenopausal women may find themselves getting easily irritated or crying over little things.
It's similar to the turbulent mood swings teenagers experience when they go through puberty.
These high emotions can make work and home life more difficult and many women find themselves struggling in their ability to cope with everyday tasks.
2. Trouble sleeping
Most of us need around eight hours of good-quality sleep to be able to function properly.
But for the perimenopause has been known to disrupt natural sleeping patterns.
It can leave women feeling exhausted and actually it can exacerbate other symptoms.
3. Headaches
Perimenopause can leave some women suffering from headaches with flu-like symptoms.
Even though it feels like a freight train running through your brain, many dismiss it as an illness or something they can treat with painkillers.
But thumping headaches could be a sign of perimenopause.
4. Weight gain
For many women some of the signs really aren't that clear, or can be dismissed as something else - such as weight gain.
But piling on the pounds could be a symptom of perimenopause.
Lower oestrogen levels, insulin resistance, a slower metabolism and an increase in the stress hormone cortisol can all cause you to carry a little extra weight around your tummy during this time.
5. Dryness down below
Another unfortunate side effect of a drop in oestrogen levels is vaginal dryness.
Your oestrogen levels are what keeps your vagina's muscles healthy and also helps produce the discharge that not only cleans your lady garden, but also provides lubrication during sex.
This can also lead to the thinning of the vaginal walls, known as vaginal atrophy, which can make having sex quite painful.
You can solve the issue by using a personal lube recommended by your gynaecologist.
6. Libido
Some women find their sex drive begins to change - again, this is down to hormonal changes.
Libido is heavily influenced by, you probably guessed it, oestrogen.
When levels drop of you might find your desire to get intimate does too.
But this doesn't affect all women - some women may even find their sex drive increases.
7. Brain fog
There have been some studies that suggest your memory and thinking skills might decline during this time in your life.
Again, this is down to your hormone levels.
Your body has so much going on that a foggy memory is quite normal for many women, but it's only temporary.
If you are having trouble sleeping you may also find concentrating difficult.
8. Joint pain
As your hormone levels change you may experience soreness and stiffness in the muscles and joints.
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The loss of oestrogen in your body can cause inflammation, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
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High cortisol levels can also cause stiffness in the muscles.
And if you are prone to migraines they might get slightly worse, but it will only be temporary.