Perimenopause: An Escalating Issue In Women’s Health

Perimenopause is when a woman is around menopause. It is the period when a woman's body naturally shifts toward menopause, indicating the end of the reproductive phase. This crucial phase is often referred to as the menopausal transition. The onset of perimenopause varies from woman to woman. A large number of women will notice symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles in their 40s, some may see changes as early as their mid-30s. 

Perimenopause: An Escalating Issue In Women’s Health

Perimenopause leads to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, irregular menses, low bone-mineral density, insufficient sleep, vaginal discomfort, mood changes, low libido, and fertility problems as your periods decide to play hide and seek.

Perimenopause and Mental Health

This is a transitional phase that leads to hormonal changes, which can take a toll on one’s mental well-being. Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and even depression in some women. Many women may feel frustrated, irritated, agitated, and lonely.

It’s important to recognize that these emotional challenges are a natural part of this phase and can be managed effectively through support, lifestyle modifications, and when needed, medical intervention. Women should openly communicate with their friends or family about how they feel instead of suffering in silence. Women should take charge of their health without any delay to be able to stay healthy during this phase.

Tests Recommended For Women During This Transitional Phase

The follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test is done to monitor FSH levels, which often rise during perimenopause as the ovaries produce less estrogen. Thyroid Function Tests (TSH and T4) check thyroid disorders in women which can mean women may be in this crucial phase. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test will help to understand ovarian reserve and help assess reproductive ageing. The luteinizing Hormone (LH) test tends to fluctuate during this phase as well.

The expert will be able to give you a clear picture of what you are going through during this phase and will come up with an appropriate plan to manage symptoms.

Managing Perimenopause

Involves lifestyle adjustments. Opt for calcium-rich foods, lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, pay attention to hydration by drinking enough water, cut down on smoking, alcohol, and caffeine, exercise daily, de-stress, and calm down by doing yoga and meditation. It will be essential for you to maintain an optimum weight by avoiding junk, processed, oily, and canned foods.

Get a good night’s sleep of at least 8 hours per day, join a support group or open up to your friends regarding how you feel, seek counselling if need be, and take supplements such as calcium, vitamin D, or omega-3s as per the doctor’s advice. Moreover, track your symptoms and go for regular health check-ups and follow-ups. Following these strategies will help women to successfully navigate through the perimenopausal stage.

Authored by Dr Manju Gupta, a senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Motherhood Hospital, Noida. Views expressed by the author are their own.