Am I Menopausal ?
Perimenopause and Menopause are simply a long term hormone deficiency of Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone. It is a natural process that creates a very wide variety of symptoms, due to the hormonal chaos.
Perimenopause is the time prior to your periods stopping and usually starts in your mid 40's, but it can start earlier.
Menopause is when you stop having periods for one year and usually occurs between 45 to 55 years old. For a small number of women, menopause can occur earlier. Menopause is a natural process that creates a wide variety of often distressing symptoms, due the effects of the decline of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones.
WHY are we so affected?
Estrogen receptors can be found in every part of the female body, so its not surprising that symptoms can be varied and unexplained- from dry eyes to achy joints and skin rashes. You can have one or more of the symptoms below and they can come and go, especially when you are perimenopausal.
It is vital to keep a track of all your symptoms and your cycle- Try the Balance Symptom Tracker,
The Balance website is a great resource.
Check below, how many symptoms do you have ?
Brain Health
Symptoms- Brain fog, anxiety, worry, dizziness, light headed, insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, cold flashes, low mood, memory loss, difficulty finding words, rage or anger, irritability, depression, loss of confidence, headaches, mood swings, electric shock sensations, fatigue and extreme tiredness, difficulty concentrating, loss of motivation, mental exhaustion, can't cope ?
Bone Health
Sore joints, especially feet, ankles and knees, osteoporosis, muscle tension,
Heart Health
Symptoms- Palpitations especially at night, lack of energy, migraine with an aura, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
Skin Health
Symptoms- Dryness, soreness, rashes, burning feeling, itchy rashes, new allergies, histamine sensitivity, dry lips, wrinkles, thinning hair, brittle nails, body odour,
Sexual and Urinary Health
Symptoms- Frequent peeing, vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, up in the night to pee, urinary tract infections, changes to irregular or inconsistent periods, heavy periods, pain after sex, cystitis, discomfort while sitting, breast tenderness, lack of labido, increased PMS
Digestive Health
Symptoms- Food intolerance, bloating, nausea, new food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, weight gain,
Ear, Nose and Throat
Symptoms- Sinus issues, sore mouth, burning mouth, dry eyes, bleeding gums, nasal drip, watery eyes, vision changes, tinnitus, puffy eyes,
