🌸 Understanding Perimenopause: A Guide for Women

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause. It usually begins several years before your final period, as the ovaries produce hormones less regularly. Every woman’s experience is different—but knowing what to expect can help you stay balanced and in control.

🌿 Changes in Your Period

Hormonal shifts and less frequent ovulation can cause noticeable changes in your menstrual cycle. Early in perimenopause, periods may be shorter, lighter, or heavier. Later, you may skip cycles for 60 days or more.

Tracking your periods on a calendar or app helps your healthcare provider determine if your bleeding pattern is normal or requires further evaluation.

🔥 Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms) are the most common menopause symptoms. Studies show up to 80% of women experience them.

Hot flashes cause sudden heat in the face, neck, or chest, lasting 1–5 minutes, sometimes with sweating, chills, or rapid heartbeat. Night sweats are hot flashes during sleep.

💧 Vaginal & Urinary Changes

As estrogen decreases, the vulva and vaginal tissues can become thin, dry, and less elastic, causing discomfort with sex, pelvic exams, or daily activities. Burning, itching, and irritation are common, and lower estrogen increases the risk of vaginal infections.

Some women notice these changes during perimenopause, while others may experience symptoms several years after menopause.

⚖️ Managing Weight During Perimenopause

Weight gain is common during the menopause transition, but even small changes help:

• 3% weight loss can improve cholesterol and lower diabetes risk.

• 5–10% weight loss can improve cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, liver function, daily function, and reduce chronic pain.

Diet and exercise are key to staying healthy and maintaining hormone balance.

💆‍♀️ Migraines

Hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can trigger migraines, which often involve throbbing pain, light and sound sensitivity, and nausea. Many women notice headaches tied to their menstrual cycle, which may improve after menopause.

🧡 Mood Changes & Depression

Women are more vulnerable to depression during perimenopause and early post-menopause. Hormone shifts create a “window of vulnerability,” especially for those with a history of depression.

Stress management, self-care, and professional support can help maintain emotional balance.

🧠 Brain Fog

About 40–60% of midlife women report forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or distractibility during perimenopause. These mild cognitive changes are common and not a sign of dementia.

💜 Takeaway

Perimenopause is a normal stage of life, but support and education can make the transition smoother. Tracking symptoms, maintaining healthy habits, and consulting a women’s health specialist can help you stay balanced and confident.

If you’re noticing changes in your cycle, mood, or energy, schedule a visit with Radiant Health and Wellness. Our experts provide personalized care to help you navigate perimenopause with confidence.