Differences Between Perimenopause & Menopause
By Nutritional Weight and Wellness Staff
August 19, 2024
For more comprehensive information listen to the full podcast episode:
Navigating the journey through perimenopause and menopause can be quite a ride, but understanding the signs and symptoms can really help.
In a recent episode of the Dishing Up Nutrition podcast, Licensed Nutritionist Kara Carper and Registered Dietitian Melanie Beasley share their personal experiences and professional advice on what to look for and how to manage these changes.
Here's a sneak peek of just a bit of what you need to know about perimenopause and menopause:
Signs of Perimenopause
Perimenopause is that transitional phase leading up to menopause. It usually starts in our mid-40s, but it can sneak up on us as early as our mid-30s. The timing can really vary from person to person!
During this time, our hormones start to shift, which can bring about all sorts of emotional, mental, and physical symptoms.
Here are some perimenopause symptoms to watch for:
Irregular Periods
- Your periods might get unpredictable—sometimes more often, sometimes less, and you might even have spotting in between.
- The length of your menstrual cycle can change, too—it could be shorter or longer than what you’re used to.
Hot Flashes
- You might suddenly feel super hot, start sweating, and get a red face out of nowhere (hello, hot flashes!).
- Night sweats are the same thing but at night, and they can mess with your sleep.
Mood Changes
- Feeling more irritable, having mood swings, anxiety, or feeling down can become more common.
- Those emotional roller coasters can get more intense and happen more often.
Sleep Problems
- You might find it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Night sweats don’t help either—they can really affect your sleep quality.
Vaginal Dryness
- With less estrogen, you might notice vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable.
- There’s also a higher chance of urinary tract infections because the vaginal tissues get thinner.
Weight Gain and Slower Metabolism
- You might start gaining weight, especially around your belly.
- Your metabolism can slow down, making it harder to manage your weight.
Decreased Libido
- You might feel less interested in sex and might find it uncomfortable.
Thinning Hair and Dry Skin
- Your hair might get thinner, and your skin might feel drier and more irritated.
Signs of Menopause
Menopause means our menstrual cycles are done, and it’s confirmed when we’ve gone a whole year without a period. This usually happens around age 51.
Even though menopause symptoms can stick around, they’re usually more manageable than during perimenopause.
Here’s what to expect:
No Periods for 12 Months
- ·If you haven’t had a menstrual period for a whole year, congrats, you’re in menopause!
- This means your menstrual cycle has officially ended.
Continued Hot Flashes
- Hot flashes and night sweats might still pop up, but those severe hot flashes usually happen less often.
Persistent Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex can continue.
- Lubricants or estrogen creams can really help to relieve vaginal dryness.
Mood and Sleep Issues
- Mood swings, anxiety, and feeling down can still be around.
- Sleep problems might stick around too, especially if night sweats are still bugging you.
Bone Density Loss
- There’s a higher chance of osteoporosis because of lower estrogen levels.
- Bone density tests and taking calcium/vitamin D supplements can help keep your bones strong.
Changes in Cholesterol Levels
- Lower estrogen can mess with cholesterol levels, which can raise the risk of heart disease.
Joint Pain and Muscle Aches
- Joint pain and muscle aches are common because of the drop in estrogen.
Perimenopause Symptoms vs. Menopause Symptoms
Timing:
- Perimenopause usually kicks in during our mid-40s but can start as early as our mid-30s, and it lasts until we hit menopause, which is usually around age 51.
Hormonal Changes:
- During perimenopause, our hormone levels are all over the place, leading to irregular periods and a mix of symptoms.
- Menopause is when these hormone levels settle at consistently low levels.
Symptoms:
- Both stages can bring hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. But during perimenopause, these symptoms can be more intense and unpredictable.
Diagnosis:
- Menopause is confirmed after you haven’t had a period for 12 months.
- Perimenopause is identified by tracking symptoms and changes in your menstrual cycle.
Understanding these signs can help you navigate menopause more smoothly..
Our experts at Nutritional Weight and Wellness are here to guide you through perimenopause and menopause with science-backed advice and real-life strategies.
In fact, you will find our Menopause Solutions Class invaluable.
Great information, resources, and tips for all stages of menopause from early in the perimenopause stage to later after you've finished the menopausal transition...you'll find this expert-led class to be a great resource!
Our online Menopause Solutions class is broken down into six, one-hour videos, so you can work through the topics at your own pace.
No matter what stage you are in - perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause
- we are here to help!
