Perimenopause Cheat Sheet By Dr Hazel Parkinson

Perimenopause isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many people don’t realise there are over 50 symptoms tied to perimenopause, and every woman’s experience of it is unique. While hot flushes and night sweats are widely recognised, many women are unaware of the numerous other symptoms that may accompany the onset of menopause, and just how early they can begin.

I often see women in their mid-40s experiencing anxiety, brain fog, and loss of libido, without realising these could be signs of perimenopause. Emerging studies suggest that mood changes, mental health issues, and cognitive symptoms may affect more women than the more commonly known vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats.

Approximately 8 out of 10 women experience some form of perimenopausal symptoms, with around 25% suffering from severe symptoms. Over half of women will experience perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms for more than seven years. It’s surprising that even in today’s so-called ‘forward thinking’ society, many women remain in the dark. Lacking knowledge on the full impact menopause can have on their bodies, and often enduring debilitating symptoms for years before seeking help.

Perimenopause can bring a wide range of symptoms that may fluctuate in intensity and frequency, making it difficult to understand what’s happening to your body. That is why I felt it was my duty to create this symptom checklist. It will empower you during this often confusing and challenging phase of life. You can use it as a resource and as a practical tool to help you keep track of these changes, recognise patterns, and better understand your unique experience.

By documenting your symptoms regularly, you can hereby gain valuable insights into how perimenopause is affecting you on a personal level. Remember to use this information when seeking medical advice. Bringing a detailed symptom record to your doctor's appointment allows for more accurate reporting, enabling your healthcare provider to diagnose and treat your symptoms more effectively.

• Understand your experience: Tracking symptoms regularly helps you see how perimenopause is impacting your daily life, giving you greater control over your health and well-being.
• Spot patterns and triggers: By logging symptoms, you may notice they fluctuate with stress, diet, or lifestyle changes, allowing you to make better decisions about symptom management.
• Make doctor visits as efficient as possible: A comprehensive checklist helps your doctor understand your symptoms' frequency and severity, ensuring more accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans.

• Irregular Periods: Changes in menstrual cycle length and flow.
• Hot Flushes: Sudden heat sensations, often with sweating.
• Night Sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep.
• Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, including irritability and depression.
• Breast Tenderness: Sensitivity or pain in the breasts.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Weight Gain: Often around the abdomen.
• Decreased Libido: Reduced sexual desire.
• Vaginal Dryness: Less natural lubrication, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
• Urinary Issues: Increased frequency, urgency, or incontinence.
• Hair Thinning: Hair loss or thinning on the scalp.
• Increased Facial Hair: More hair growth on the face.
• Memory Problems: Difficulty concentrating or remembering.
• Joint Pain: Aching or stiffness in joints.
• Headaches: More frequent or severe headaches.
• Heart Palpitations: Sensation of a racing or irregular heartbeat.
• Skin Changes: Dryness, itching, or thinning of the skin.
• Osteoporosis: Gradual loss of bone density.
• Anxiety: Increased feelings of worry and nervousness.
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness.
• Bloating: Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
• Dizziness: Episodes of light-headedness or vertigo.
• Tingling Extremities: Sensations of tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
• Gum Problems: Bleeding, swelling or sore gums.
• Digestive Issues: Changes in digestion, such as constipation or diarrhoea.
• Allergies: Increased sensitivity or new allergic reactions.
• Body Odour Changes: Altered or increased body odour.
• Irregular Heartbeat: Variations in heart rhythm.
• Muscle Tension: Increased tension or cramps in muscles.
• Burning Mouth Syndrome: Sensation of burning in the mouth.
• Electric Shock Sensation: Brief sensation like an electric shock.
• Itchy Skin: Generalised itching.
• Cold Flashes: Sudden feelings of cold.
• Panic Attacks: Episodes of intense fear or anxiety.
• Body Aches: Generalised body pain or aches.
• Decreased Coordination: Clumsiness or lack of coordination.
• Changes in Taste: Altered taste perception.
• Voice Changes: Deepening or hoarseness of the voice.
• Sore Breasts: Painful or swollen breasts.
• Increased PMS Symptoms: More severe premenstrual symptoms.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Eye Problems: Dryness, irritation, or changes in vision.
• Brittle Nails: Nails that break or split easily.
• Heavy or more painful periods: Heavier Periods or more painful menstrual cramps.
• Sinus Problems: Increased sinus infections or congestion.
• Restless Legs Syndrome: Uncomfortable urge to move legs, especially at night.
• Low Blood Sugar: Episodes of hypoglycaemia.
• Thinning Eyebrows: Loss of hair in the eyebrow area.
• Increased Sensitivity to Smells: Heightened sense of smell.
• Changes in Appetite: Increased or decreased appetite.
• Ear Ringing: Tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
• Dry Mouth: Decreased saliva production.
• Varicose Veins: Development or worsening of varicose veins.
• Back Pain: Increased or new back pain.

Still not sure if you are perimenopausal? Check out Symptoms, Stages, And How To Manage Your Perimenopause With Dr Hazel Parkinson

Written by Dr Hazel Parkinson MBChB, BmedSci, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP, DFSRH, DipClinDerm.

To learn more or get in touch with Dr Hazel Parkinson, you can visit her website at www.drhazel.co.uk. You can also follow her on Instagram @drhazelskinsolutions or connect with her on Facebook at Dr Hazel Skin Solutions.

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