World Perimenopause Day 2022
October is menopause awareness month, and we are always looking to raise awareness around perimenopause – the early stages of menopause, while highlighting the importance of research, education and combating global stigma.
World Perimenopause Day 2022
This World Perimenopause Day, 11th October 2022, we’re on a mission to educate women about mental health and the early signs of perimenopause: depression, anxiety, mood swings and no energy.
In a recent study, we found that 9/10 women didn’t recognise that their symptoms were associated to perimenopause, and instead attributed what they were feeling to ageing, stress, anxiety and depression.
This World Perimenopause Day, October 11th 2022, we want to support women who are feeling lost and going through the perimenopause. No two women’s experience is the same, and being aware and able to recognise that your symptoms might be down to fluctuating hormones is the first step to managing them.
Here’s more about the impacts perimenopause can have on mental health.
When can perimenopause begin?
Perimenopause usually begins when a woman is in her early to mid 40’s, typically 2-10 years before her periods stop. Due to the wide array of symptoms that can be experienced, it can often be difficult to join the dots and understand the link to fluctuating hormones.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
Symptoms can include:
- Period changes; here’s Advice and Period change products.
- Sleeping problems; here’s Advice and Sleep products.
- Hot flushes; here’s Advice and Hormone regulation products.
- Anxiety; here’s Advice and Psychological Function Products.
- Weight gain; here’s Advice and Shape management products.
- Low mood; here’s Advice for low moods and Psychological function products.
- Night sweats; here’s Advice and Hormone regulation products
- Joint aches; here’s Advice and Products for joints.
- Stress; here’s Advice and Psychological function products
- Low energy; here’s Advice and Energy products
- Brain fog; here’s Advice and Cognitive function products.
- Loss of sex drive; here’s Advice and Products for sexual desire.
- Headaches; here’s Advice and Products for cognitive function.
- Vaginal dryness; here’s Advice and Products to support your vagina.
- Sensitive bladder; here’s Advice for helping you cope with sensitive bladder issues
- Skin changes; here’s Advice and Products for skin, hair and nails.
- Painful sex; here’s Advice for helping to deal with sexual discomfort
Due to a lack of awareness, symptoms can often be attributed to lifestyle choices or another cause entirely, leading millions of women on a global scale to suffer in silence and isolation, with little to no direction on which way to turn. When the day-to-day becomes challenging, it can be a huge relief to join the dots and understand the connection between the symptoms and midlife hormone fluctuations.
Try the Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checker
Expert gynaecologist and menopause specialist, Anne Henderson, explains:
“There is barely a part of the body oestrogen doesn’t effect. It affects the central nervous system, the skeleton, the cardiac system, the bladder, skin, nails, hair, teeth – everything is impacted. And it is the symptoms related to these areas that women primarily come forward with during the perimenopause.”
Watch our short animation to learn about the facts and figures of menopause and perimenopause:
Understanding your symptoms and joining the dots
Our free menopause symptom checker is based on the British Menopause Society’s most-common symptoms, and gives you access to expert advice and management solutions tailored to what you’re feeling.
In 3 simple steps you can select your symptoms, set the severity and generate a personalised report. You can also come back and track your symptoms over time.
Everyone’s journey is different. Discover real experiences from the women who’ve been there…
“I lean back against the shelves, drop my bags & start to sob. It’s May 2013, I’m 48 and in Tesco’s with my sons, then 16 & 12. I’m crying in the biscuit aisle, looking at the chocolate hob nobs and wondering how my life has come to this. Anxious and overwhelmed, I’m desperate for a good night’s sleep…With hindsight, I realise I was experiencing the perimenopause – something I knew absolutely nothing about at the time.”
Jo’s story
“I worry that some of the negative physical and emotional effects of the perimenopause may impact on my ability to be good parent. I don’t expect or aspire to be perfect but I sometimes fret that I am too ‘shouty’ as my tolerance levels and temper are significantly shorter these days.”
Diane’s story
“The last eighteen months have certainly been memorable. Feeling dizzy, off my food, and increasingly anxious, I gained the courage to talk it all over with a doctor, it transpired that I was anaemic, my blood pressure was high and I was peri-menopausal.
Karen’s story
Read real women’s menopause and perimenopause stories.
Join our Campaign
From campaigning to help women get access to expert information, to sharing your own personal story – your support can help millions of women from around the world to join the dots and take on the change together.
Tell your story.
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