Understanding Perimenopause And Why It's Time to Talk About It

Why is perimenopause - that significant stage in a woman's life leading up to menopause - seldom discussed? Despite impacting millions of women globally, perimenopause often remains a hush-hush topic. Could it be a lack of awareness, societal stigma, or perhaps the misconception that it’s merely "part of ageing"? Understanding this silence is crucial to break it. 

Perimenopause, which typically begins in a woman's 40s, is marked by a variety of physical and emotional changes. These can range from irregular periods and hot flashes to mood swings and sleep disturbances.

"Perimenopause is a transition period in every woman's life," says Chahat Vasdev, nutritionist at Gytree.com

"It can be challenging both emotionally and physically." Yet, these symptoms and the term itself, often live in the shadows. Why?  

Taboo Surrounding Female Ageing: Society tends to glorify youth and often associates a woman's value with her reproductive capabilities and physical appearance.
Lack of Accurate Information: Many women are not well-informed about perimenopause, its symptoms, and ways to manage them. This often leads to misconceptions and unnecessary anxiety.
Healthcare Gaps: Some healthcare providers may not discuss perimenopause thoroughly with patients, either due to time constraints or lack of knowledge.

“Perimenopause is a natural phase that all women go through, yet it's rarely discussed openly even among close friends. It's time to change the narrative - acknowledge it, talk about it, and support each other,” Mehreen Savoor, 43 shares. 

When we start talking about perimenopause more openly, we empower women to understand their bodies and navigate this transition more confidently. The journey toward more frank discussions about perimenopause begins with awareness and empathy. 

What are the symptoms of peri-menopause?

Perimenopause, you may notice changes creeping in. Common symptoms include irregular periods, where your menstrual flow might become erratic or skip months altogether. You might also experience hot flashes, sudden waves of heat that can be quite uncomfortable. Vaginal dryness is another frequent symptom, which can make intimacy and everyday comfort challenging.

These symptoms stem from hormonal changes, particularly a decline in estrogen levels that leads to irregular ovulation and menstruation. Though the experience varies, perimenopause can begin as early as your mid-30s and continue until your mid-50s, spanning four to eight years. 

Understanding these signs can be empowering, especially since a staggering 70% of women are unsure about what perimenopause entails. Many feel clueless about this transition, emphasizing a critical need for awareness and education. To bridge this knowledge gap, communities like What the Menopause offer support and resources, helping women navigate this significant life stage with confidence.

Why does nutrition play a role? How does protein support the peri-menopause journey?

For many, perimenopause can feel like an upheaval. Your body undergoes significant changes, and addressing your nutritional needs can make a noticeable difference. Surprisingly, one crucial yet often overlooked nutrient during this period is protein. 

Protein plays a vital role in mitigating some common perimenopausal symptoms. It supports muscle mass, which tends to decline as estrogen levels drop. And, maintaining muscle mass not only aids in a healthier metabolism but also enhances overall strength and energy levels. 

"Protein can be the actual support system during this phase of life as it supports you at the time of decline in estrogen and progesterone," says Chahat.

"It helps with muscle building at this time which is generally seen to be declined in the perimenopause phase and also it will help you to have more episodes of happy hormones by taking care of your emotional quotient."

What are the other roles protein can play? Protein is also essential for stabilizing blood sugar levels, something that can become particularly erratic during perimenopause. By incorporating sufficient protein into your meals, you help regulate your energy and mood, reducing those bothersome swings that can make daily life more challenging. 

Additionally, amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are vital for hormone production and regulation. This means that getting enough protein can potentially smooth out some of the hormonal turbulence that characterizes perimenopause. 

So, as you navigate this transitional phase, don't underestimate the power of protein. It's not just about muscle—it's about giving your body the foundational support it needs to manage the myriad changes that perimenopause brings.