Subtle hormonal changes can have a sudden impact on how you feel. Cravings, irritability, low energy—these are all examples of hormonal complaints you may have experienced during your reproductive years. We often refer to this as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and anyone who menstruates can experience it. As menopause approaches, these hormonal complaints can intensify or change unexpectedly. When does this begin? And what are the first symptoms you might notice during menopause?
I had no idea menopause could start so early. It only clicked when my moods started swinging all over the place.
The first stage of menopause is known as perimenopause. The prefix ‘peri’ is Greek for ‘near,’ so it essentially means: near menopause. During this phase, oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate and gradually decline. Your ovaries produce fewer sex hormones until they eventually stop altogether, marking the onset of menopause: the day of your final menstrual period.
These hormonal changes are one of the reasons you may experience symptoms. If your hormone levels drop and fluctuate significantly, your symptoms may be more pronounced. If the process is more gradual, the symptoms tend to be less severe.
It’s impossible to predict exactly when (or if) you’ll start noticing symptoms of menopause. However, around 80 per cent of women report experiencing symptoms. Many women begin to notice early symptoms around the age of 40, and by 45, it’s generally safe to assume you’re in perimenopause. This phase typically lasts about five to seven years.
An irregular or changing menstrual cycle is officially the first sign of perimenopause, caused by the declining function of the ovaries. For some women, this is the only symptom, but perimenopause usually comes with additional complaints. Sometimes, these symptoms appear even before you notice changes in your menstrual cycle.
Other early menopause symptoms include:
It’s important to understand that your symptoms aren’t always solely caused by declining oestrogen and progesterone levels. Other factors, such as insulin resistance, stress, or reduced thyroid function, can also contribute.
Additionally, your diet, lifestyle, smoking habits, and cultural or ethnic background can influence your symptoms. Research indicates that Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian women experience fewer hot flushes. On the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, hot flushes are reportedly almost unheard of!
The reasons behind your symptoms are often personal, which means there’s no universal solution to alleviating them. However, taking good care of yourself can significantly ease early menopause symptoms.
Understanding what’s happening in your body during perimenopause can be helpful. Familiarise yourself with your body and make gradual lifestyle adjustments based on the symptoms you’re experiencing. This might include getting more rest and reducing your intake of alcohol and sugar. Explore what works best for your specific symptoms.
Menopause often announces itself gradually, with signs that aren’t always immediately obvious. At SeeMe-nopause, we help you understand what’s changing in your body—and which treatments can offer relief.
Many women use the contraceptive pill during menopause to prevent pregnancy. This makes sense if you don’t want to conceive, but the pill also has other effects on your body. For instance, it can mask changes in your cycle that indicate you’re in perimenopause or have reached menopause, and it can suppress menopause symptoms.
This isn’t inherently good or bad, but it’s something to be aware of. In some cases, an alternative solution might be more suitable. Whether you continue taking the pill during menopause depends on your personal circumstances and needs.
👉 Dr Jael Loefstop explains: What you need to know about taking the contraceptive pill during menopause.
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