Study reveals many women still unaware of perimenopause signs

Around a third of women aged 35 and over do not know whether they have entered the perimenopause phase, according to research published in the journal Menopause. Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause and generally lasts four to eight years. The study, conducted by researchers from the UK, Ireland and the United States, involved 7,640 women who use the Flo menstruation and fertility tracking app. Results showed that 34 per cent of respondents were unsure which reproductive stage they were in. That figure rose to 42 per cent for women aged 40 to 44 and 37 per cent for those experiencing severe perimenopausal symptoms. The research indicated the most common reason cited by respondents was the difficulty in distinguishing perimenopause symptoms from other health conditions. Fifty-six per cent of respondents said the symptoms that appeared often overlapped with other illnesses. Unlike menopause, which is marked by not having a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, perimenopause is characterised by changes in oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels that can trigger a variety of symptoms. Besides irregular menstruation and hot flashes, other symptoms can include joint pain, headaches, night sweats, weight gain especially around the abdomen, and vaginal dryness. Twenty-eight per cent of respondents also admitted they did not yet understand what perimenopause symptoms look like. Additionally, some women reported encountering obstacles when seeking medical help because their complaints were deemed unrelated to perimenopause or they were considered too young to be experiencing the phase. Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, Mindy Goldman, said there is no single test that can confirm a person is experiencing perimenopause. According to Goldman, a diagnosis is generally made based on age, changes in the menstrual cycle, medical history, and the pattern of symptoms the patient is experiencing. Goldman added that healthcare professionals can also conduct blood tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, anaemia, or diabetes, especially if complaints appear before the age of 40. According to Goldman, recognising perimenopause earlier can help women obtain appropriate treatment, including hormone therapy if needed to relieve symptoms and help prevent bone density loss.