ASK DR ZOE
I am perimenopausal – will I experience the same symptoms I had in puberty? Dr Zoe answers your health questions
Plus, when you should seek help from your GP
OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.
Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader going through the perimenopause.
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Q: IS it possible to have many of the same symptoms I had in puberty now I am perimenopausal?
A: Absolutely, it’s very common to experience similar issues to what you went through as a teenager.
Both stages involve significant hormonal shifts, which can cause mood swings, acne, breast tenderness and weight changes.
During perimenopause, fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels can affect not only your menstrual cycle but also your emotional and physical well-being, much like they did during puberty.
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Your body is adjusting to a new phase.
If the symptoms become troubling, please do not suffer in silence.
There are many ways in which to manage and ease the transition into menopause, so contact your GP to explore your options.
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They will likely advise lifestyle modifications, for example reducing caffeine, alcohol and ultra-processed foods, and increasing exercise, sleep and healthy foods.
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You may find some adjustments like these are enough to keep your symptoms at bay.
You don’t say what symptoms you have, but women experiencing hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness often find HRT is helpful.
Health tip
Try out the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain from looking at the same thing all day, whether that be a laptop screen, TV or book!
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
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