Everything on my body feels parched. From my skin to my hair to my intimate areas, noticeable changes are all around. Moisturizers and lotions seem to have lost their magic, offering little relief. My fiery Aries temperament has morphed into something much more intense; my usual stubbornness can no longer be attributed solely to my astrological sign. I’m convinced this is the onset of perimenopause—my body is signaling a significant shift, and my libido has taken a hit as well.
The Many Faces of Perimenopause: An Unending List of Symptoms
Honestly, I’m juggling so many unusual symptoms that it’s hard to pinpoint where to start. Is this perimenopause, or am I just having an off day? Here are some of the most prevalent signs.
Hot Flashes
The notorious hot flashes during perimenopause can easily be mistaken for a particularly rough day—where you find yourself a sweaty mess. While often linked to menopause, these flashes can certainly make their appearance during perimenopause as well.
Irregular Periods
As the body transitions, one of the most noticeable changes is the irregularity of periods. You might experience anything from a 60-day cycle to having your period every two weeks. Exciting, right?
Vaginal Dryness
In addition to mood swings and irritability, vaginal dryness becomes a common issue—not only during intimacy but also at other times. Here, good quality lubricant becomes essential.
Painful Intercourse
Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, is often brushed aside in conversations with doctors. This condition arises from increased dryness and thinning vaginal tissue, which can lead to discomfort during sex and create a sense of constant tightness. It’s no wonder that 17-45% of menopausal women report pain during intimacy due to insufficient lubrication, even when arousal is present.
Decreased Libido
For many women, the desire for sex diminishes as estrogen and testosterone levels drop. Some even find it harder to reach orgasm—a significant concern for many. Sigh.
A Surprising Symptom: Rising Cholesterol
Entering perimenopause is a big deal, with some women experiencing this phase for up to TEN years before menopause officially begins. Fluctuating hormone levels often lead to unexpectedly high cholesterol levels. Recently, I was shocked to see my LDL cholesterol had increased since my last blood work. I couldn’t understand it—I’m not indulging in excess carbs!
Perhaps adjusting my diet will help boost my HDL, the good cholesterol. According to WebMD, there are proactive steps we can take to ease some perimenopausal symptoms: exercise regularly, quit smoking, prioritize sleep, limit alcohol, increase calcium intake, and take multivitamins—essentially, do all the things we should for our overall health, not just because menopause is approaching.
Embracing Change
While I might be tempted to escape from all of this (and believe me, I do want to), I’m choosing to see these changes as a cue to pay closer attention to my body. It’s not just about enjoying a break from regular periods; it’s essential to acknowledge my body’s needs and care for it. I’m inspired by Oprah’s perspective on menopause: “Many women view menopause as an ending. I’ve learned it’s an opportunity to reinvent yourself after years of prioritizing others’ needs. It’s your moment to clarify what matters to you and pursue it wholeheartedly.” Amen.
If you want to learn more about related topics, check out our other blog posts here and here for additional insights.
Summary
Perimenopause brings a host of physical and emotional changes, from hot flashes and irregular periods to vaginal dryness and rising cholesterol. As women navigate this phase, it’s important to prioritize health and self-care while embracing the opportunity for personal reinvention.