Sooner or later, the time comes for all women. The menopause sets in. This phase, also known as perimenopause, is associated with all kinds of changes and holds many challenges in store for us women. This article tells you when the perimenopause begins, how it becomes noticeable and what it means for women.
The most important facts about the perimenopause at a glance
- The perimenopause, also known as the menopause, lasts several years.
- Women usually enter the menopause in their mid-40s, although individual differences are possible.
- The phase after the menopause is called the postmenopause.
- Up until the menopause, women can still get pregnant.
- The hormonal changes during the perimenopause can lead to mood swings and exhaustion, among other things.
- Women can protect themselves from irregular or heavy menopausal bleeding by wearing period pants.
What is the perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the technical term for the menopause. It is the time before and after the menopause. The menopause, on the other hand, is the last menstrual period in a woman's life.
When do women enter the perimenopause?
The perimenopause usually begins in women around their mid-40s, but this does not necessarily apply to every woman. Differences are quite possible. Some women even go through the menopause well before their 40th birthday. For others, the time may come a little later.
How long does the perimenopause last?
The changes that come with the menopause do not end overnight. The perimenopause starts about six to eight years before the menopause. For some women, it can even last around 10 years.
What happens during the perimenopause?
Just like the menstrual cycle, the perimenopause involves hormonal changes. The ovaries gradually produce less progesterone and oestrogen. The eggs are no longer released regularly. There are strong hormonal fluctuations.
All this is associated with cycle irregularities. Sometimes menstruation does not occur for several months. The menstrual cycle can also suddenly become shorter or there can be particularly heavy menstrual bleeding.
After the perimenopause comes the postmenopause
When a full year has passed since the last period, women have their menopause. This is usually the case in their early 50s. After the perimenopause comes the so-called postmenopause. While hormone levels were still subject to fluctuations during the perimenopause, they have now settled at a permanently low level.
Can you get pregnant during the perimenopause?
Even though the menstrual cycle is irregular and periods sometimes stop completely, pregnancy is still possible during the perimenopause. For this reason, it is important that you continue to use contraception during the menopause. You can only do without it after your menopause.
Symptoms: how does the perimenopause make itself felt?
The perimenopause and the changes that come with it can make themselves felt in many different ways.
Typical symptoms of the menopause are, for example:
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Lack of energy
- Forgetfulness
- Weight gain
Sleep disorders in the perimenopause
Many women have more trouble sleeping during the menopause. They often find it difficult to fall asleep as well as to sleep through the night. This inevitably has a negative effect on their general well-being and performance in everyday life.
Mood swings during the perimenopause
The perimenopause is characterised by hormonal fluctuations. This automatically leads to mood swings. Stress resistance decreases and irritability increases, much to the chagrin of those around us.
Lack of energy in the perimenopause
The changes in hormone balance put a strain not only on the psyche but also on the body. Therefore, it is not uncommon to feel exhausted and low on energy during your menopause. A healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help to counteract this.
Forgetfulness in the perimenopause
Hormones not only affect the menstrual cycle, but also the brain. Forgetfulness is not uncommon in perimenopausal women because of hormonal fluctuations. If necessary, talk to your gynaecologist to see if she can recommend a suitable micronutrient preparation.
Weight gain during the perimenopause
Among other things, the perimenopause leads to changes in metabolism. This makes menopausal women more prone to gaining weight, while reducing or maintaining body weight becomes increasingly difficult. A balanced diet and keeping an eye on calories are therefore very important.
Comfortable protection during the perimenopause
Irregular and unusually heavy periods are not uncommon during the perimenopause. They can sometimes interfere with everyday life and be perceived as a burden. It is therefore important for menopausal women to be able to rely on their menstrual products to provide them with the most comfortable protection possible.
Period underwear is the ideal choice for this purpose. The comfortable panties, which you can find in different absorbencies in our shop, ensure that everything stays pleasantly dry and that you can concentrate on the important things during your perimenopause. See for yourself. We're sure you'll love Weekiss menstrual underwear.