If you are to ask people, “What are the symptoms of perimenopause/menopause?” Most people would include the well-known, vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats…
However, in reality, not every woman will experience hot flushes or night sweats, and it is actually more common for women to experience non-specific symptoms such as tiredness, sleep disturbance and psychological/cognitive symptoms; making it more difficult to identify when the perimenopause has began.
Common Psychological & Cognitive Symptoms:
- Low Mood
- Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Rage
- Brain Fog
- Reduced Concentration
- Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
…. And Many More.
Some psychological symptoms, such as low mood and anxiety, can emerge for the first in the perimenopause, in people who have never had a history of any mental health conditions. It is really important to take a careful history from the patient to distinguish whether these symptoms are new or an exacerbation of a pre-existing condition so that they can be managed appropriately.
When Does The Perimenopause Start?
The average age of the menopause (last menstrual period) in the UK is 51 years, and the perimenopause starts on average 10 years before this, so it usually starts in the late thirties to early forties but can earlier or later.
During the perimenopause, women continue to have their periods whilst also starting to experience menopausal symptoms.
This occurs due to the gradual decline in oestrogen levels and big hormonal fluctuations that happen on the lead up to the menopause and there are many oestrogen receptors all over the body (including the brain) that respond to these changes.
Why Is It Important To Raise Awareness Of Mental Health In The Perimenopause? ️
Hormones can have a such powerful impact on the mental health and cognition of many women (e.g., postnatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, progesterone sensitivity, perimenopause…etc), and it is important to raise awareness in the hope that it will lead to earlier recognition, diagnosis, support and appropriate management.