This year, I turned 50 years old. For many women, saying that out loud, let alone on social media or in public, has for the longest time, felt like a swear word. But why? Isn’t it a blessing to have reached this milestone age? My mother died at 47 from a brain haemorrhage. It is odd to realize that I am older than my mother!

I am currently in the phase of my life called perimenopause. This is an odd period in a woman’s life because much like puberty, one has raging hormones and mood swings but none of the youth that accommpanies the former. One would expect that I’ve gained enough life experience to control my emotions, but other symptoms like insomnia and weight gain are a little more difficult to handle.

Often referred to as the transition phase before menopause, perimenopause is a significant period in a woman’s life marked by various hormonal changes. This phase can begin as early as the mid-30s or as late as the mid-50s, and can last anywhere from a few months to over a decade. Understanding perimenopause and knowing how to manage its symptoms naturally can help you navigate this transition with greater ease and well-being.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Perimenopause is characterised by fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, leading to a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Common symptoms include:

1. Irregular Periods: Changes in menstrual cycle length and flow.
2. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden feelings of heat and sweating.
3. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
4. Mood Swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, and depression.
5. Vaginal Dryness: Reduced estrogen levels leading to dryness and discomfort.
6. Decreased Libido: A reduction in sexual desire and arousal.
7. Weight Gain: Often around the abdomen due to hormonal changes.
8. Cognitive Changes: Memory lapses and difficulty concentrating.