Perimenopause is the lead-up to a woman’s final menstrual period, the menopause. Perimenopause usually happens between 40 – 45 years of age.
Menopause is a woman’s final menstrual period. Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55 years of age – the average age of menopause for women in Australia is 51 – 52 years.
Both perimenopause and menopause are a part of normal and healthy ageing.
Due to changes in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones, women may experience the following symptoms:
- hot flushes or night sweats
- joint and muscle aches and pains
- vaginal dryness and pain during sexual intercourse
- mood swings, which may include low mood, anxiety or irritability
- sleep disturbance, including insomnia
- crawling or itchy skin
- headaches
- lower libido
- forgetfulness
- weight gain, especially in the tummy region
It is recommended that you maintain a healthy and physically active lifestyle to support your body during these changes. It is also important to look after your emotional health.
See your GP if you are troubled by less regular periods, have symptoms of menopause that interfere with daily life, or have any symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Our team of Women’s Health Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists are here to support you and can help you to manage some of the symptoms of menopause.
For more information: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause
