HOW DO I KNOW I AM IN PERIMENOPAUSE?

I recently taught a class about Thriving in Perimenopause and Beyond to a group of fabulous women in Indianapolis. These women were intelligent, curious, engaged, and learned a ton in our workshop. What struck me after the class was how little most women know about perimenopause and postmenopause. Although #realtalk about menopause is becoming more mainstream, doctors aren’t talking to their patients about what this time of life means for them, and finding the right resources on the internet can be a challenge (to say the least.) My hope with this blog is that it helps women to demystify the menopause transition, and can be a trusted resource for women on the menopause journey. 

Today I want to cover a question that comes up often in consults and general conversation. How does one know when she is in perimenopause?

I cannot tell you the number of times a woman in her late 40s has told me she is having hot flashes, mood swings, increased anxiety, body composition changes, and brain fog, but her doctor told her she isn’t in perimenopause. Maybe this is your experience too. 

Perimenopause is defined as the time between when estrogen levels begin to fluctuate, bringing on cycle changes and new symptoms, and the date 12-months from a woman’s last period. See below for a visual of this timeline, and check out our post on Menopause 101 to learn even more.

Phases of a woman’s life related to menopausal changes

Because women’s hormones fluctuate so much during perimenopause, it is difficult to diagnose perimenopause using a blood test. Any result obtained today with likely be radically different from a result obtained last week or next week. Companies are also very willing to sell you hormone test kits that purport to tell women they are or are not in perimenopause. These tests cannot tell you you are in perimenopause. They are a waste of money and time. Please don’t buy them. 

We’ve covered that blood tests ordered by your doctor, and scammy lab tests obtained online cannot tell you if you are in perimenopause, but what can? 

1. Family History: If you have female family members who have gone into menopause naturally, this is a good anchoring point for you to understand the age you might start perimenopause. 

2. Symptoms: Are you between the ages of 35 and 55 and are experiencing perimenopause symptoms? It sounds simple, but this is a good indication you may be in perimenopause! We recommend tracking your symptoms when you experience them, so you are able to see trends. Symptom tracking data is also helpful to bring to a doctors appointment. 

3. Cycle Changes: This is another simple but effective data point. If you are between the ages of 35-55, and you are experiencing changes to your cycle, this is likely an indication of perimenopause. Tracking your cycle is very helpful here as well. (I do want to be clear that cycle changes could be due to other things, so this should not be the only indicator you use.) 

4. Lifestyle: There are a few lifestyle factors that play into when a woman may start perimenopause. Here are a few. (Please note this is not an exhaustive list.)

1. Smoking: Women who smoke enter perimenopause earlier than nonsmokers

2. Weight: Women who are severely underweight or are obese tend to start perimenopause sooner

3. Age you were when giving birth to your last child: If you were in your late 30s or early 40s when you gave birth to your last child, you will likely enter into perimenopause later than average (40-50 years old)

These factors are helpful, but other than having the knowledge you are in perimenopause, what comes next? 

1. You always have the option to do nothing, and continue on as you were before you entered into perimenopause.

2. Make small changes to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Making changes to support your body in this transitional time can have a huge impact. Small changes can help you manage symptoms, feel like yourself again, and strengthen your body for the postmenopausal phase of life. (Schedule a free strategy session with us to learn much more about this!)

3. You can see your doctor about hormone replacement therapy or other medical interventions.

Perimenopause can be frustrating, but having the knowledge of what your body is experiencing and embracing the menopause transition can be a powerful tool. Taking control of your health, implementing new strategies to manage symptoms, and nourishing your body and mind can make the menopause transition a dream instead of a nightmare.