Study reveals many women still unaware of perimenopause signs

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Around a third of women aged 35 and above do not know whether they have entered the perimenopause phase, according to research published in the journal Menopause.

Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause and typically lasts between four and eight years. Citing Health on Tuesday (5/8), the study conducted by researchers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States involved 7,640 women who use Flo, a period and fertility tracking app.

The results showed that 34 per cent of respondents were unsure which reproductive stage they were in. The figure reached 42 per cent among women aged 40 to 44, and 37 per cent among those experiencing severe perimenopause symptoms.

The study found that the most common reason given by respondents was the difficulty of distinguishing perimenopause symptoms from other health conditions. As many as 56 per cent of respondents said the symptoms often overlap with other illnesses.

Unlike menopause, which is marked by the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, perimenopause is characterised by changes in oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels that can give rise to a wide range of symptoms.

In addition to irregular periods and hot flashes, other symptoms may include joint pain, headaches, night sweats, weight gain particularly around the abdomen, and vaginal dryness.

As many as 28 per cent of respondents also admitted they did not yet understand what perimenopause symptoms look like. Furthermore, some women reported difficulties in 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 someone is going through perimenopause. According to Goldman, diagnosis is generally established based on age, changes in the menstrual cycle, health history, and the pattern of symptoms experienced by the patient.

Goldman added that healthcare providers can also carry out blood tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, anaemia or diabetes, particularly if complaints appear before the age of 40.

According to Goldman, recognising perimenopause earlier can help women receive appropriate treatment, including hormone therapy if needed to relieve symptoms, as well as help prevent loss of bone density.