Perimenopause in Your 30s and 40s: Symptoms Women Miss
We have been told the average age of onset of menopause in the US is 51 - with perimenopause symptoms typically starting 8-10 years before. However, there are plenty of women who recognize symptoms much earlier and are able to connect the dots of “mysterious” health issues to perimenopause.
In my practice I see many women struggling through perimenopause. Symptoms can range from barely noticeable to debilitating. The most common among them being: Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue… but the complete list is much longer. Just about every body system may be affected by fluctuations in sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone & DHEA) - which means yes - that symptom may be due to perimenopause!
Here is a checklist of commonly missed symptoms related to perimenopause:
Sleep disruption - waking at 2-4 am, lighter sleep, night sweats
New anxiety or mood changes - especially for those who didn’t struggle with anxiety
Short or irregular cycles - suddenly your monthly isn’t as reliable
Changes in PMS - worsening symptoms, more severe mood changes
Inflammatory Symptoms - worsening allergies, skin issues and cycle-related headaches
Metabolic Shifts - trouble losing weight despite no change in lifestyle
Brain Fog - reduction in estrogen can lead to declines in problem solving and mood regulation
How to assess for hormone levels:
Your provider should be able to offer you options for assessment at this stage. If they shrug their shoulders, seek a second opinion. It is difficult, but not impossible, to get a good picture of hormone levels at this point in life.
One blood draw won’t cut it for your hormones. In my practice, if you want a complete picture on your hormones I recommend a blood draw along with a urine test for sex hormones. Getting multiple data points when things are in flux is the best approach.
What can you do to support hormones during perimenopause?
Even if you’re symptomatic, you’re perfectly positioned to make simlpe changes that can have a huge impact.
Reduce stress: ensure high quality sleep and ensure you are “bulletproof” when it comes to stress management.
Blood Sugar: working on keeping your blood sugar stable actually helps your entire hormone system regulate. I recommend CGM (continuous glucose monitors) to every patient in perimenopause for that reason!
Support Detox: The main organ of hormone detox is your liver and this time of life can put more workload on this organ. Eat bitters, eat beets, eat plenty of protein and antioxidant rich foods to help out.
If you’re noticing these symptoms, you’re not imagining things and you’re not alone. Perimenopause is a normal transition but you don’t have to white knuckle it. Women who work on strengthening their body for the oncoming changes do better - they have more energy, better moods and feel happier.
