WTF is peri menopause, something new and unappealing on the Nandos menu?
No my friends, it’s only really recently that it’s been discussed, it’s the warm-up act before menopause takes the stage.
Peri can come on up to 10 years before actual menopause; it’s the transition period.
You might find that you’ve become a member of the peri peri club if you realise that you’re experiencing some of these rather unwelcome symptoms:
- Brain fog
- Exhaustion
- Cravings
- Weight gain
- Tender boobs
- Random changes in your period (heavier, lighter, longer, shorter, more frequent, less frequent – literally anything)
- Dry down there
- Rage, anger, mood swings
- Anxiety
- Low sex drive
Here are a few tips for what to do if you do realise you’re in the peri peri club.
- Keep a diary of your symptoms. What happened that resulted in you bursting into tears? What’s your menstrual cycle been for the past three months?
- Davina’s book Menopause is fantastic – check your local library’s catalogue or buy yourself a copy
- Ask your friends who may be or who are in peri menopause
- See your GP – face to face. Take your notes along with examples of symptoms and the impact of them on your life
- Consider whether you want to take HRT. It’s a personal decision, but if you do want to take it, stand confident and assertive and ensure your GP listens to you and supports your decision