Perimenopausal Symptoms: Overlooked Struggles with Anxiety, Dry Eyes, and Joint Pain

Perimenopause, a transitional phase preceding menopause, often manifests in symptoms that may not initially seem associated with hormonal changes. These signs, while not as prominent as hot flashes and irritability, can significantly impact daily life.

This phase marks a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to a wide array of symptoms due to the prevalence of estrogen receptors throughout the body. These receptors can be found in the brain, skin, heart, and bones, and their decreased activation can result in varied physical responses.

Diagnosis of perimenopause can be challenging due to its lack of a defined definition, as it does not have the clear-cut markers that menopause presents. As a result, it is typically diagnosed based on symptoms alone, often being mistaken for other conditions.

Brain Fog and Forgetfulness

Cognitive changes, such as brain fog and forgetfulness, are common yet often overlooked symptoms. Some women may even worry they are experiencing early-onset dementia, but research indicates that as many as 60% of women experience cognitive alterations during this time. These changes are attributed to estrogen's impact on neurotransmitters in the brain, which influence memory, mood, and sleep.

Sleep Problems

Half of perimenopausal women report struggling to sleep. Symptoms can range from insomnia to frequent wake-ups throughout the night. This is due to a decrease in melatonin levels during perimenopause and the effect of estrogen fluctuations on the brain's temperature regulation, which can trigger hot flashes and night sweats, leading to restless sleep.

Anxiety and Mood Changes

Mood swings, irritability, and frustration are common during perimenopause. Estrogen fluctuations can contribute to mood disorders and other mental health issues, but these changes may not immediately appear connected to hormonal changes. Stress, which tends to increase during this period, can also intensify sleep disturbances.

Joint and Muscle Pain

Estrogen plays a role in maintaining the health of collagen fibers in skin and joints. As levels decrease, inflammation and a depletion of joint lubrication can occur, leading to pain and stiffness. This can also weaken bones and contribute to muscle weakness.

Dry Hair, Skin, and Eyes

Decreased estrogen levels can lead to loss of water and collagen in the skin, resulting in dryness. The hormone is also responsible for hair growth and fullness, so women may notice hair loss or thinning during this phase. Dry eyes are another surprising symptom, as sex hormones (including estrogens) participate in the production of the protective eye fluid.

Heart Palpitations

Estrogen helps regulate heart rate and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause heart palpitations, even in those without a history of heart problems. While these irregular heartbeats might initially cause concern, they are typically not a significant cause for worry when ruled out as a sign of a larger issue.

Pain During Sex

Pain during sex, often due to dryness and changes in vaginal skin health, is a common symptom many women associate with perimenopause and menopause. The vagina becomes less stretchy, moist, and flexible as estrogen levels decline, which can lead to pain, particularly around the vaginal opening, during penetration. Topical estrogen cream can usually help alleviate this discomfort if hormone-fueled dryness is the cause.

If you suspect you may be experiencing perimenopause symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. Not all doctors are well-versed in menopause, so seeking a certified menopause practitioner can help ensure proper care and guidance. While hormone therapy is an option for managing symptoms, lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and prioritizing a healthy diet can also help mitigate symptoms.

Cognitive changes, such as brain fog and forgetfulness, are common in perimenopause and are often linked to estrogen's influence on neurotransmitters in the brain.
Half of perimenopausal women report struggling with sleep, experiencing symptoms ranging from insomnia to frequent wake-ups throughout the night.
Mood swings, irritability, and frustration are common during perimenopause and can sometimes be attributed to estrogen fluctuations affecting mood disorders and mental health issues.
Estrogen's impact on the body can lead to joint and muscle pain due to inflammation and depletion of joint lubrication as levels decline.
Decreased estrogen levels can result in dryness of the skin, hair, and eyes, causing conditions like dry skin and dry eyes, and potentially leading to hair loss or thinning.
Heart palpitations can occur during perimenopause due to estrogen's role in regulating heart rate and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Pain during sex can be a common symptom of perimenopause, often caused by dryness and changes in vaginal skin health as estrogen levels decline.
Overlooked mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, can manifest during perimenopause due to estrogen fluctuations affecting neurotransmitters in the brain.
Aging is often accelerated by the decline in estrogen levels during perimenopause, leading to changes in skin health and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
Women's health, particularly menopause and related conditions, should be addressed with a holistic approach, considering factors such as hormonal imbalance, lifestyle, and medical-conditions like chronic diseases.
CBDE, often used in skincare and health and wellness products, may potentially help alleviate some symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as dryness and skin conditions.
Hearing health can also be impacted during perimenopause, as estrogen fluctuations affect various body functions, although further research is required to fully understand this possible connection.