Uncommon Menopause Symptoms That May Shock You.
Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition. Women start perimenopause at different ages.
For black women, perimenopause can start as early as age 35. The symptoms can be more severe. Although for most women perimenopause can last between 4-8 years, for black women the menopause transition can last for up to 14 years.
Perimenopause is most commonly known for the symptom of ‘hot flashes’, which is one of the Vasomotor symptoms (VMS).
VMS commonly called hot flashes or flushes (HFs) and night sweats, are the menopausal symptoms for which women seek treatment during menopause most often. VMS are a form of temperature dysfunction that occurs due to changes in gonadal hormones.
Whilst ‘hot flashes’ are the most well known; perimenopause has over 100 symptoms that affect a woman physically, mentally and emotionally. Some of which, you may never have linked to menopause and may completely shock you.
In this video I share some of the most common and not so common menopause symptoms a woman can experience in this midlife transition: https://youtu.be/ux5tVxCjPWQ?feature=shared
→ Are you in perimenopause?
→ Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
→ Were you aware of any of these symptoms?
→ Are there any symptoms you’ve experienced not mentioned?
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This is such a necessary conversation. Perimenopause can feel like you're losing pieces of yourself—mentally, emotionally, physically.
I remember someone saying, "I used to be sharp and confident. Then came the anxiety, memory lapses, and the crushing fatigue and I didn’t even know it was hormonal."
So many women suffer in silence, misdiagnosed or dismissed.
We need to educate ourselves, track our symptoms and demand culturally competent care. Speak up. Seek out menopause specialists. Connect with sisterhoods like this one.
Because when women don’t get the support they need, it impacts families, workplaces, and entire communities.
We can’t pour from an empty cup. Let’s stop trying.