New data has revealed the most common premenopausal symptoms people need to look out for.
In a report from Wellbeing of Women, it is estimated that around 13 million women in the UK are perimenopausal or menopausal, making up almost a third of the female population.
With this, a survey from Women’s health and tech company, Forth, found that hot flushes and bloating were some of the most common symptoms. Perimenopause can begin several years before menopause as ovaries stops producing as many eggs.
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Forth questioned 996 women aged between 18-69 and found that hot flushes, night sweats, irregular periods, and frequent bloating were more frequent in women between ages 18-29 that in any other age group. Meanwhile mood changes affected 83 per cent of all respondents.
In response to hot flushes - commonly believed to be the number one perimenopause symptom, 74 per cent of women in the 18-29 age group responded ‘always’ or ‘often’, compared to just 46 per cent of women aged between 40-49.
Similarly, 79 per cent of 18-29 year olds reported night sweats ‘always’ or ‘often’, versus only 63 per cent of 30-39 year olds, and 55 per cent of 40-49 year olds.
Irregular periods also showed a large gap in ages, with 74 per cent of 18-29 year olds experiencing this symptom, compared to just 62 per cent of the 30-39 age group. And, finally, frequent bloating showcased a similar pattern - with a huge 90 per cent of 18-29 year olds responding ‘often’ or ‘always’, and a smaller 79 per cent of 40-49 year olds responding the same.
According to the NHS: "The first sign of the perimenopause is usually, but not always, a change in the normal pattern of your periods, for example they become irregular.
"Eventually you'll stop having periods altogether."
Like the survey found, mood changes are common with the health service stressing that mental health can be impacted by the premenopause with many suffering from like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem. Brain fog can also affect concentration levels.
Physical symptoms
Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:
- hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
- difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day
- palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable
- headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
- muscle aches and joint pains
- changed body shape and weight gain
- skin changes including dry and itchy skin
- reduced sex drive
- vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
- recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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