When people think about perimenopause, they often imagine hot flashes or weight gain. However, new research shows that the most common symptoms are actually different. These include mental health struggles and digestive problems.
A study by Flo, a period-tracker app, and the Mayo Clinic looked at data from over 17,000 people in 158 countries. Participants reported their perimenopause symptoms over five months. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, which can last up to 10 years. Menopause officially begins after 12 months without a period.
Dr. Sarah Richina, an OB-GYN not involved in the study, praised its wide reach. However, the study had some limits. Most participants were high-income, English-speaking, and white, so the results might not apply to everyone.
We're a new kind of news feed.
Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.
Start Your News DetoxCommon Perimenopause Symptoms
For those aged 35 and older, the most reported symptoms were fatigue, exhaustion, irritability, depression, sleep problems, digestive issues, and anxiety.
Dr. Sameena Rahman, an OB-GYN and medical adviser for Flo, sees these symptoms daily. She noted that often, it's not the typical hot flashes or night sweats. Instead, it's anxiety and mental health distress.
Sleep problems are also very common. Poor sleep can lead to brain fog, mental exhaustion, and increased anxiety and depression. Dr. Richina emphasized that sleep, mood, and physical function are all connected. Bloating and constipation are also common, and these are often linked to hormones.
Distinguishing Perimenopause from Stress
Perimenopause can start as early as someone's mid-30s or early-40s. The average age for menopause in the U.S. is 51. Many people might blame mood changes on work or family stress. While stress plays a role, erratic hormones during perimenopause can also be a major factor.
It can be hard to tell if mood issues are due to perimenopause, personal stress, or both. Dr. Richina suggests keeping a symptom diary. Tracking symptoms relative to your menstrual cycle can help identify patterns, like increased anxiety before your period. This information can be useful for treatment.
Available Treatments and Solutions
There isn't a single treatment for perimenopause and menopause. However, options like hormone therapy and talk therapy are available. It's important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
Experts also stress the importance of basic health habits. Dr. Rahman recommends improving sleep, nutrition (with enough protein and fiber), strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and stress management.
Dr. Richina noted that what worked in your 20s and 30s might not work now. It's not about quick fixes, but a "full body approach" to manage the most distressing symptoms during this busy life stage.
