Perimenopause: it’s a thing!
Dr Louisa Gilles
Perimenopause is attracting more attention in the media recently, with good reason. Many women are surprised to realise that their changing hormones can wreak so much havoc in their 40s, as traditionally menopause is something that people associate with their 50s.
Perimenopause is a natural phase of women’s lives that usually occurs in your 40s and lasts on average 4-6 years. It’s time of hormonal fluctuation which can have wide ranging effects for some of us. You may have bothersome symptoms or you may not, everyone is different!. Your pattern of periods can change, becoming heavier or lighter, changing in frequency, with longer or shorter duration of bleeding. Symptoms we usually associate with menopause can also start to come and go: mood changes, hot flushes, night sweats, tiredness, difficulties sleeping etc. .
Thankfully, if you have troublesome symptoms related to perimenopause then there are a lot of safe treatment options available - hormonal and non hormonal. Natural and alternative therapies may relieve symptoms, but can have risks like any medications, so it’s good to be informed from a reliable and evidence based source.
Perimenopause is an opportune time to take stock of your health from a physical and mental perspective. Frequently women in their 40s and 50s are sandwiched between kids and parents, with work and other stresses layered on top. Although finding time to manage your own health can be tricky, it pays dividends immediately as well as down the track. As well as addressing any hormonal symptoms that are affecting your wellbeing and quality of life, it’s essential to make sure screening is up to date for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, to ensure you maximise your healthspan.
A very small number of women also start to experience menopause under the age of 40. This is particularly important to identify as there can be serious health risks associated with premature menopause (menopause before age of 40.)
Many of the GPs providing medical services Neighbourhood Medical have a strong interest in the wellbeing of women across all life stages, and are members of the Australasian Menopause Society. They have a keen interest and experience in menopause medicine. To decide which GP provides services most suited to your needs, please read the individual doctor’s bios.
For further reliable and up to date information on perimenopause and related issues we recommend the Jean Hailes and Australasian Menopause Society websites.
