Do you feel like your life has been taken over by hot flashes, mood swings and insomnia? 

Menopause is a time that can leave many women feeling out of the loop. It’s like there’s a secret language – a glossary of terms that some menopausal women understand but not everyone does. So, let us introduce you to the some of the common (and not-so-common) words and phrases related to perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause when your body starts to transition from being able to conceive children to entering a period of infertility. During perimenopause, women may experience hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings and more. It typically begins between the ages of 45-55 but can start as early as 35 in some cases.

Hot Flash

A hot flash is a sudden feeling of intense heat that can last anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes. Hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes and are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. They often occur during sleep and can cause sweating or flushing that wakes you up in the middle of the night.

Mood Swings

Mood swings are sudden changes in emotion experienced during perimenopause due to fluctuating hormones. They can range from feeling irritable or sad one minute to being happy or euphoric the next minute, sometimes without warning If you experience extreme mood swings that interfere with your daily life it’s important to talk with your doctor about treatment options like hormone therapy or lifestyle changes like exercising more or getting more sleep.

It can seem like being on an emotional rollercoaster when it seems like you can’t control how you’re feeling. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal during menopause and that they should subside after some time has passed.

Foggy Brain

Foggy brain (or “brain fog”) is a common symptom experienced by many women going through perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal imbalances. It can manifest itself as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks and confusion about simple things like where you put your keys! Natural remedies like ginkgo biloba have been shown to help reduce foggy brain symptoms but if they persist it could be worth speaking with your doctor about hormone therapy or other treatments.  

It can give a hazy feeling where it feels like your brain isn’t functioning as well as it used to. Brain fog might make it harder for you to concentrate or remember details but don’t worry, it usually passes after the transition period is over.

Insomnia

A condition characterised by difficulty falling or staying asleep, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and depression. To combat this symptom, try incorporating relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine such as reading a book or taking a warm bath.

Low Libido

A decrease in sexual desire during menopause which can be caused by hormonal changes or other factors such as stress and fatigue. If you’re experiencing this symptom, talk with your doctor about possible solutions such as hormone therapy or lifestyle modifications.

Night Sweats

Night sweats are episodes of heavy sweating during sleep usually caused by hormonal imbalance in menopause. They can occur any time during the night but usually happen near morning when your body temperature naturally rises. You may wake up soaked in sweat or find yourself having to change your bedding in the middle of the night due to excessive perspiration. There are various treatments available for night sweats including hormone replacement therapy and medications used to treat depression or anxiety.

Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a common symptom of menopause caused by decreased levels of oestrogen which leads to thinning and drying out of vaginal walls causing pain during intercourse, burning sensation, itching, dryness, and increased urinary tract infections (UTIs). Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), laser vaginal rejuvenation therapy (LVRT), topical oestrogen creams, and lubricants as well as lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, avoiding irritants such as perfumes or alcohol-based products, wearing cotton underwear etc.

Menopause can be an uncomfortable transition but understanding the lingo helps make it easier to cope with its many symptoms. By familiarising yourself with terms like “hot flash,” “mood swing,” and “low libido,” you’ll be better equipped to understand what’s happening in your body and take action accordingly.  

It is a time where it’s important to understand what’s going on with your body so you can make informed decisions about treatment plans that work best for you. We hope this has helped you become more familiar with some common (and not-so-common) terms related to perimenopause and menopause so you can take control over your health journey. With this newfound knowledge at hand, may your passage through this life-stage be one filled with understanding and self-love.

You can sign up for our longer list and checklist that you can use to speak with your health professional below.