The long, winding (and sometimes rocky) road known as perimenopause.
If you’re in your 30s or early 40s, you may be thinking, “This article isn’t for me.” And we don’t blame you. You’ve got enough on your mind without worrying about entering a new phase of life. But here’s the thing: It’s important to talk about. And learn about. So stick with us.
The first thing to know is that not all women will experience perimenopause or menopause the same way or have the same symptoms. Here are a few basics you should know:
- Your body can start gearing up for perimenopause as early as your mid-30s, but it typically starts in your mid-40s.
- If your mom started perimenopause early, chances are you will too.1
- The average duration is 3–4 years but could last 8–10 years.
- African American/Black and Hispanic/Latina women tend to begin perimenopause earlier than other women.2
- Hispanic/Latina women are more likely to experience more vasomotor symptoms (aka hot flashes or night sweats) than non-Hispanic white women but fewer than African American/Black women.
- Once you’ve gone 12 months without having a period, you’ve transitioned into menopause.
All the fun stuff
Because perimenopause isn’t often talked about, you may not know what’s happening to your body when you start getting symptoms. One day you’re in your carefree 30s, and the next, you’re biting your partner’s head off for no reason. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Hot flashes and night sweats (this is a biggie)
- Mood swings (that’s up there too)
- Breast tenderness
- Worsening or irregular periods
- Lower sex drive, vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
- Leaking urine when you cough or sneeze/urinating more frequently
- Trouble remembering stuff or trouble concentrating
While there’s no real test to see if you’re in perimenopause, do check in with your doctor or OB/GYN if you have concerns.
Some things to consider
There are a few risks associated with perimenopause. Let’s have a look:
- Yes, you can still get pregnant. If you’re past the stage of TTC (trying to conceive), take heed. As long as you’re having periods, no matter how erratic, you can still get pregnant.
- Your bones can weaken. Dropping estrogen levels can impact your bones. Check with your doctor to see if it’s time for a bone density test.
- You might gain weight. It’s not just you. It is harder to maintain or lose weight during perimenopause and menopause.
Three feel-better fixes
- Walk more often – outside if possible. It’ll not only help clear your brain fog but it’ll also help fight off potential weight gain. We like this workout.
- If you’re struggling with mood swings, give virtual therapy
a try. Visit myCigna.com to see what options you have as part of your plan. - Ask your doctor if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is right for you. HRT can help relieve some common symptoms of perimenopause.4
- Science Daily. “Genetics play strong role in determining age of menopause and overall longevity.” June 12, 2019. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190612110127.htm
- Meissner M. “What to Know About Racial Disparities in Menopause.” Healthline. September 14, 2022.
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/racial-disparities - Harlow SD, Burnett-Bowie SM, Greendale GA, Avis NE, et al. “Disparities in Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health between Black and White women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN).” Women’s Midlife Health, 8, Article 3 (2022).
https://womensmidlifehealthjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40695-022-00073-y - Mayo Clinic. “Hormone therapy: Is it right for you?” December 6, 2022.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046372
