UAE: All you need to know about Menopause and Perimenopause

Here’s a startling revelation: In a room teeming with 50 well-accomplished women in business, only one hand raises when asked who understands menopause and perimenopause.

Amidst a sea of perplexed faces, a singular realisation emerges — this information is not merely ancillary; it is indispensable to every woman’s journey.

The enigmatic onset: A woman's journey

Picture this: A woman, vibrant, dynamic, in the prime of her life, suddenly finds herself teetering on the edge of her emotional precipice. She, who once embraced life’s vigour, now teeters on the cliffs of despondency. Her moments of joy are eclipsed by a baffling new normal: She grapples with erratic mood swings, inexplicable waves of anxiety, and a disconcerting sense of melancholy. Meanwhile, her partner tip-toes around her, bewildered, concerned, confused, annoyed: unable to decode the ever-shifting landscape of her psyche.

A deeper dive: Unravelling the mystery

Threading through this intricate and often overwhelming maze of emotions and bodily transformation, a potentially enigmatic conversation brews: Is this anxiety? Is this depression? Or is this perhaps the veiled onset of perimenopause?

Bridging the silence: Shining a light on perimenopause and menopause

From the onset of menstruation to the joys and challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, discussions about various phases of a woman’s life and milestones abound. Yet, amidst these dialogues, there remains a conspicuous silence when it comes to perimenopause and menopause.

While puberty and pregnancy are heralded as rites of passage, the nuances of perimenopause and menopause often languish in obscurity, shrouded in misconceptions and societal taboos. This dearth of discourse deprives society of vital knowledge and support, leaving women, and the men in their lives, adrift in a sea of uncertainty, confusion, misunderstanding and a lack of support and tolerance.

It is time to break the silence, to shed light on this overlooked chapter of womanhood, and to empower society with the understanding and guidance they deserve, as every woman embarks on this profound and naturally occurring journey of change.

Navigating the terrain: Simple definitions

Menopause is defined as the natural transition that heralds the end of a woman’s reproductive years, and is diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterised by fluctuating hormone levels, including various symptoms (listed below). Perimenopause can last for several years, (10 years or more), before menopause is officially reached.

Unveiling the external manifestations: Witnessing perimenopause and menopause

In the tapestry of womanhood, perimenopause emerges as a poignant chapter, marked by profound physical and emotional transformation. The following common symptoms can vary in severity and duration from woman to woman, and may overlap or occur at different times throughout the perimenopausal and menopausal transition. It is important to note that not every woman will experience symptoms, and if you do experience severe symptoms, seek medical counsel urgently.

· Irregular periods: Both perimenopause and menopause cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular periods that may be heavier or lighter, or skipped altogether.

· Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, flushing, and sweating.

· Night sweats: Episodes of excessive sweating during sleep.

· Mood swings: Irritability, misplaced emotions, reactivity, moodiness and seemingly unprovoked emotional ups and downs.

· Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor-quality sleep is common.

· Overwhelm: A sense of uncertainty, upheaval and a loss of control akin to drowning.

· Fatigue: Feelings of tiredness, fatigue, and absolute exhaustion are common.

· Joint pain: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to joint stiffness, pain, and discomfort, often resembling symptoms of arthritis.

· Gum problems: Changes in hormone levels can affect oral health, leading to gum sensitivity, bleeding, and an increased risk of periodontal disease

· Digestive issues: Bloating, indigestion, and changes in bowel habits.

· Hair loss or thinning: Hormonal changes can affect hair growth and texture, leading to increased shedding, thinning of the hair, or changes in hair quality.

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