3 typical signs perimenopause is ending

There are three main stages when it comes to hormone changes. Perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. There are certain symptoms which tend to be more typical for each particular phase and some symptoms which can be present in all three.

In this article, we’ll look at the average age to expect perimenopause, signs of perimenopause, one of the most telling signs perimenopause is ending and the transition into menopausal symptoms. Let’s get straight into it.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period that leads up to menopause and can be a time of wildly fluctuating hormones.

A woman technically still ovulating and has periods although they become less regular. She is still able to have a baby, though it will be much harder than when her hormones had a regular monthly ebb and flow.

A follicle stimulating hormone test can determine when a woman's hormones have started to change but but you don't necessarily need a perimenopause test

What Are The 3 Typical Signs Perimenopause Is Ending?

• Heavier and missed periods due to the drop in progesterone levels
• Weight gain - previous successful weight loss strategies stop working due to hormones. Low mood, anxiety and fatigue symptoms can affect when and how much you eat
• Sleep disruption -progesterone is the body's natural relaxing hormone.

When does perimenopause start?

For most women, perimenopause starts in a woman's 40's ( the average age is 46) and typically lasts about six years until menopause around the age of 52.

How do you know if you're perimenopausal?

Early perimenopausal symptoms can vary from woman to woman due to fluctuating hormone levels.

Common symptoms of lower progesterone and oestrogen levels include

• irregular menstrual cycles
• hot flashes, night sweats
• debilitating headaches
• weight gain
• vaginal dryness
• mood swings and mood changes
• getting a good night's sleep more difficult
• Memory lapses and fatigue are also common

Irregular and heavier periods are one of the more common giveaway signs perimenopause is ending.

Irregular periods and coping with heavy bleeding

Irregular periods includes heavier and prolonged menstrual cycles, lighter periods, late periods, spotting and missed periods.

According to the NHS, a menstrual flow is classed as heavy if you need to change a tampon every one to two hours, if it lasts for more than a week, or if it interferes with your daily life. A light period is one in which you lose less than 30ml of blood.

If you’re struggling with heavy periods, your doctor may be able to prescribe tranexamic acid – a medicine that helps your blood to clot. Prescription anti-inflammatories and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as mefenamic acid and naproxen can also help.

The IUD coil is often prescribed to manage heavy bleeding for women in perimenopause.

Late Perimenopause Symptoms

As a woman gets nearer to menopause symptoms can change. Thanks to more stable oestrogen levels symptoms like headaches and mood swings tend to improve as menopause approaches. Other symptoms can become more severe.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Common late perimenopause symptoms for some women are an increase in hot flashes and night sweats. The good news is that not all perimenopause symptoms get worse with time.

In fact, some symptoms, like headaches and mood swings, tend to improve as menopause approaches. This is all thanks to lower, but more stable oestrogen levels.

When does perimenopause end?

What are the signs perimenopause is ending? As perimenopause draws to a close menstrual periods can become more spaced another sign perimenopause is ending is the emergence of menopause symptoms.

Menopause officially begins when you have not had a menstrual period, or any spotting, for a full 12 months.

The last period in perimenopause tend to be difficult to recognise due to irregularity of periods. The exact month you reach menopause can be a little hit and miss!

The Menopause Transition

Women enter menopause in their 50's. The average age is 52. The menopausal transition is when hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause give way to a more steady decline. You no longer have a menstrual cycle. Early menopause is when your last menstrual period is before the age of 45.

Common Menopause Symptoms

Women who have entered menopause may continue to experience frequent hot flashes and night sweats due to the hypothalamus ( your brain thermostat) getting lower estrogen levels .

Low sexual desire, increasedanxiety, memory and concentration lapses and disrupted sleep are still common challenges.

Late menopause symptoms

As menopause continues a woman is likely to experience more physical symptoms such as much drier skin, thinning hair, frequent urinary tract infections, weaker bones and vaginal dryness.

The slow decline of hormones mean women tend to have a more stable mood.Every cloud!!

Health risks associated with menopause

Women lose some of the protection of oestrogen when they have reached menopause because they have less of it.

Oestrogen helps to manage cholesterol levels has a protective relationship with blood vessels and arteries keeping them flexible and free from fatty plaque.

• Weight gain affects around 50% of menopausal women. Being overweight is one of the risk factors associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
• Cholesterol levels increase after menopause which means the risk of a heart attack or stroke increases
• Blood pressure can increase - which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease
• Bones can become weaker - 50% of women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

There is significant evidence Hormone Replacement Therapy reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

A healthy lifestyle can help to manage midlife symptoms

Nutrition and diet can help your body to adapt better to your lower hormonal status.Diet and exercise are really powerful allies who it comes to how you fare in the perimenopause and menopause years. Some key things you can do

• Increase vitamins and minerals especially iron to support energy ( especially if heavy bleeding is an issue)
• Make sure you're getting enough protein to help to build muscle to balance metabolism, burn calories and control weight
• Add adaptogens and herbal remedies to support your brain and help to manage stress levels and support sleep
• Cut back on alcohol and coffee can help to keep hot flashes and anxiety symptoms to a minimum.

Regular Exercise Supports Mood, Weight and Sleep

Regular exercise can help to control weight, strengthen bones, manage stress levels and support sleep.

Both weight bearing exercises and aerobic exercises are recommended for women over 40. Weight bearing exercises will help to counteract the loss of muscle mass associated with age which can contribute to a slower metabolism.

Aerobic exercise like brisk walking and swimming will help your heart to work harder and keep it healthier. A strong heart is much more efficient at pumping blood and oxygen around your body. The NHS recommends we do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.

Article Summary

A change in your menstrual cycle is one of the signs perimenopause is ending. Weight gain and sleep disruption also affect many women in perimenopause.

Heavy, painful, or irregular periods are common before entering menopause and can be controlled with hormone therapy or prescribed medication.

Some symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, sleep disruption and brain fog can persist throughout perimenopause and menopause although mood changes tend to become more stable.

HRT, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise can have significant benefits when it comes to managing the symptoms associated with hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause.

FAQ

Can perimenopause cause painful periods?

In the perimenopause phase hormone levels fluctuate and can also surge. If Oestrogen levels rise, the uterus releases more prostaglandin, which can increase cramping and make pain worse.

What are perimenopause periods like?

It’s common for your periods to change during perimenopause. Some women find their cycle gets shorter, while for others it increases by a few days. Some women experience much heavier periods and clotting or find their periods are lighter than usual with a less intense flow. You might even skip periods altogether, particularly towards the end of perimenopause.