You’re in your early 40s, but your body feels different. Trouble sleeping, heightened irritability, tender breasts, mood swings. Yet people (or even your GP) might say: “Menopause? You’re far too young for that.”
However, these could well be the initial signs that your body is undergoing changes. Not necessarily because you’re already in menopause, but because your hormones are beginning to shift. And that warrants attention.
I was 40 when it started. I slept poorly and could suddenly cry over nothing. My cycle was still regular, so I thought: it must be stress.
Menopause is a process that unfolds over several years. On average, perimenopause begins around the age of 45. However, approximately 10 to 15% of women enter this stage as early as their early 40s. So, while it might sometimes feel uncommon, it is not unusual. What occurs during this period? During perimenopause, your progesterone levels gradually decline, while your oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate increasingly. This hormonal imbalance — often referred to as oestrogen dominance — can lead to a range of symptoms. These changes can have a considerable impact on your daily life.
Not every woman experiences the same symptoms. These are common signs associated with menopause:
If your body begins to change in your 40s – for instance, if your menstrual cycle alters or your oestrogen levels start to decrease – you may face a heightened risk of certain health conditions:
Early recognition matters. It impacts not only your daily wellbeing but also your long-term health.
Making healthy choices can help support your body. Exercise is vital, particularly if you include strength training. This not only benefits your muscles but also your bones, which become more susceptible due to hormonal changes. Nutrition plays a key role: opt for foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3. Consider dairy products, dark leafy greens such as kale or broccoli, oily fish like salmon or mackerel, eggs, nuts, and fortified plant-based milk.
Try to reduce your intake of sugar, alcohol, and highly processed foods. And if you smoke, now is an excellent time to stop. This is not only beneficial for your overall health but also because smoking increases the risk of early menopause.
Lastly, prioritise your sleep and take stress seriously. Breathing exercises, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can help calm your stress response. Everything you do to support your body now will help you navigate this phase feeling stronger and more resilient.
Many women are told they are experiencing burnout or depression. While this might be accurate, some symptoms could also be linked to hormonal imbalance. As symptoms often overlap, it is important to consider the broader context. Perhaps you have already raised this issue but felt you were not taken seriously. This can be deeply frustrating. Symptoms associated with menopause warrant proper attention. Therefore, it is essential to persist in discussing your concerns if your symptoms continue.
By thoroughly educating yourself, you can engage in a more focused conversation with your general practitioner. Based on your symptoms and, if necessary, additional tests, they can assess whether you are in perimenopause. In some cases, a test may be carried out to measure FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and oestrogen levels. These results can offer an indication of hormonal changes, although they only provide a snapshot.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help stabilise fluctuations in your sex hormones. As a result, symptoms often decrease or may even disappear entirely. HRT can help alleviate hormonal symptoms and also acts preventatively against osteoporosis. Furthermore, it can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, provided treatment is started within ten years of menopause. If you were under the age of 45 at the time of your last menstrual period, it may be worth discussing HRT with one of our affiliated healthcare providers.
HRT is not suitable for everyone. However, it is important for you to be aware of its existence and to know that you can take part in the decision-making process. You know your body best and have the right to contribute to decisions about what is most suitable for you.
Menopause does not begin at 50. And you do not need to wait until your periods stop for your symptoms to be recognised. Many women have been managing this for years. Speak about it. Seek reliable information. And find the support that works for you. Because the sooner you understand what is happening, the better you can look after yourself.
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