Peri or Menopause? Spot the Difference!
JigSaw puzzle of menopause
Confused? Yep, it’s a confusing time. It’s like trying to do a jigsaw without knowing what the picture is. Made worse because we’re only just starting to truly talk about it. I want to demystify this process because it shouldn’t be scary, and we should know exactly where we are in life. We want to know what’s going on and when it will end and if, or when, we need to be worried.
The first thing to remember is that this is a natural process. Our hormones are meant to be a bit out of whack right now. It’s ok to feel different, to feel a little ill at ease and it’s ok to need time to adjust. What’s not ok is symptoms that stop us living life to the full or are debilitating. Now those, we need to kick to the curb!
Age The first obvious, but not definitive difference, is age. This is super individual but to give you a lose guide peri menopause symptoms can start as early as 35yrs but more commonly mid to late 40’s. The full menopause average is early 50’s but could be much later for some.
Cycles In peri menopause we are still cycling which means we still get periods, but they may not be as regular. They may be heavier, and they may even get closer together for a time then start to stretch out as we move through peri and further toward menopause.
Menopause is that literal pause of our cycles and technically it needs to be a full 12mths before we can say we are in menopause. After that no more periods BUT we often still feel extra anxious, have hot flushes, struggle with insomnia, exhaustion and extra weight that won’t budge. I would love to say the end of periods means that is that but the reality for many women is it’s not.
Dryness In early peri our natural lubrication for sex can still be ok (or at least mostly ok) because oestrogen is still in flux but as we move toward menopause that may change as oestrogen declines and this can cause issues with dry vagina and vaginal atrophy, dry eyes, skin and hair.
Fertility In peri menopause we can still fall pregnant. Strange but true. We are still dropping eggs but in menopause that stops. Big thing to remember here is that although it’s not common for women to fall pregnant in peri menopause it’s not impossible so is you don’t want a baby use contraception at this time!
Hormones Oestrogen and progesterone are not the only hormones that are declining and out of whack. Follicle stimulating hormone that gets the ovarian follicle nice and ripe can rise to very high levels in peri menopause. It’s like it’s last hurrah! In menopause it disappears as well.
And testosterone makes a decline in peri and menopause but then rallies after 65yrs- go figure! The body is amazing. Also, might be where the ‘cranky old women’ saying comes from. I believe by the time we are grey well and truly deserve to sing it like it is even if we get called cranky!
Mood Anxiety and mood swings seem to peak in peri and settle in menopause which is something to look forward to. This is mainly because oestrogen and progesterone stabilize in a happy, but low ratio in menopause.
That doesn’t negate our right to be cranky lol!
So. Which are you and does it matter? Well, yes it does because if you haven’t had a period for 2 years then suddenly start bleeding you need to get that checked out. If you think you are in peri and you hit all the right ages then you might be. It’s a definite possibility but if there are symptoms that bother you get it checked out as thyroid issues and other health concerns aren’t uncommon around this time either.
Where is doesn’t matter is The Sparkle Method as it can help the symptoms of both peri and menopause. No need to pull straws or stress about whether you are peri or not because if you struggle with any peri or menopausal symptoms, (your weight, mood, energy, sleep, hot flushes…name a symptom) then The Sparkle Method can help you.
If you need some help or want to find out more then please book a FREE chat in with me to find out more! I would love to meet you!
Click here for more information https://www.simplyhealing.net.au/the-sparkle-method