The Hidden Symptoms of Perimenopause: What Women Need to Know

Strategic Insights -

As women enter their perimenopause years, they may experience a range of symptoms that can be subtle yet debilitating. Perimenopause, the time period before menopause when hormonal fluctuations occur, can last anywhere from two to 10 years. Kate Codrington, a menstrual and menopause mentor, speaker, writer, and therapist, sheds light on the lesser-known symptoms of perimenopause and offers practical tips on how to manage them.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bloating, diarrhea, and heartburn are common digestive issues that can occur during perimenopause, affecting up to 60% of women. These symptoms can be alleviated by diet and lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, eating slowly, and incorporating plant-based foods.
  • Joint pain affects six in ten women, causing stiffness, hip pain, and reduced mobility. Regular exercise, weight-bearing activities, and a balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms.
  • Plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by foot pain, can be managed through mobilization, stretching, and stress reduction.
  • Burning Mouth Syndrome, affecting 18-33% of perimenopausal women, can cause tongue soreness, dryness, and loss of taste.
  • Anxiety, a common symptom of perimenopause, can be addressed through stress management techniques, self-reflection, and journaling.
  • Cold flushes, caused by hormonal fluctuations or anxiety, can be reduced by implementing effective stress management techniques and wearing layers.

Statistics:

  • Perimenopause lasts anywhere from two to 10 years (Cochrane, 2019).
  • Six in ten women experience joint pain during perimenopause (Codrington, 2022).
  • 18-33% of perimenopausal women experience Burning Mouth Syndrome (Dunlap et al., 2013).
  • Cold flushes disrupt sleep, affecting up to 40% of women (Anthony et al., 2019).

Sources:

  • Cochrane, L. (2019). Menopause. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
  • Codrington, K. (2022). The Perimenopause Journal: Unlock Your Power, Own Your Wellbeing, Find Your Path.
  • Dunlap, J. L., et al. (2013). Burning mouth syndrome in women during the perimenopausal and menopausal transition. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 17(11), 1648–1653.
  • Anthony, B. C., et al. (2019). Perimenopausal women's experiences of night sweats: A qualitative study. Journal of Women & Health, 28(2), 255–264.