Three key points
1. Perimenopause can last several years, with symptoms varying from one woman to another.
2. There are ways to relieve symptoms, ranging from everyday adjustments to medical treatments.
3. Regular medical check-ups can help ensure you receive appropriate care and that not every symptom is automatically attributed to hormonal changes.
Irregular periods, disrupted sleep, hot flushes… The first signs of perimenopause can come as a surprise and raise many questions. This hormonal transition leading up to menopause affects every woman differently. Some women go through it with few difficulties, while others experience symptoms that affect their daily lives. Recognising these signs can help you access appropriate support and maintain your quality of life.
Perimenopause: at what age does this transition begin?
Perimenopause, commonly referred to as ‘premenopause’, is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. Ovarian activity becomes less regular, and hormonal fluctuations gradually alter the menstrual cycle. This stage often begins in your forties and generally lasts two to four years, sometimes longer.
Menopause, on the other hand, is confirmed after twelve consecutive months without a period, provided there is no other underlying cause. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 (source: Menopause – Health portal).
Good to know: contraception is still necessary
Even when you are approaching menopause and your periods are irregular, pregnancy is still possible. It is important to continue using suitable contraception until your doctor confirms that you can stop.
What factors influence when it begins?
Family history can influence the age at which menopause occurs. Smoking can also bring it forward.
Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as well as some types of ovarian surgery, can affect ovarian function. If your periods stop before the age of 40, a medical assessment is needed, particularly to investigate possible premature ovarian insufficiency (source: La ménopause provoquée par le traitement — Le blog du Groupe Sein CHL).
What symptoms can occur?
The changes associated with perimenopause are not limited to the menstrual cycle. They can affect your physical, emotional, and intimate well-being. Not all women experience the same symptoms, and their intensity can change over time.
Hot flushes, night sweats, and tiredness
Hot flushes are among the best-known symptoms. Night sweats can disrupt sleep and contribute to persistent tiredness. Headaches, joint pain, and difficulty concentrating may also occur during this stage (source: Symptoms and diagnosis – Health portal).
Palpitations, pain, and other physical symptoms
Palpitations can occur, making you suddenly more aware of your heartbeat. You may also experience headaches or migraines that are more intense than usual, as well as muscle and joint pain. Some women notice drier skin, itching, sensitive teeth or sore gums (source: Symptoms and diagnosis – Health portal).
Weight gain and changes in body shape
As menopause approaches, your body shape may change. You may notice weight gain or a change in fat distribution, particularly around your abdomen. However, these changes are not solely linked to hormones. Age and lifestyle habits also play a part. They do not affect every woman and are not inevitable (source: La ménopause provoquée par le traitement — Le blog du Groupe Sein CHL).
You may experience greater emotional sensitivity, irritability, or anxiety. Memory or concentration problems (often described as ‘brain fog’) can also make everyday life more difficult (source: La ménopause provoquée par le traitement — Le blog du Groupe Sein CHL).
Lack of sleep can make these difficulties worse and everyday demands harder to manage. If these symptoms persist or affect your personal and working life, you should seek medical advice.
Irregular periods and intimate discomfort
Your periods may become less predictable, with shorter or longer cycles. Vaginal dryness, itching during sex, or a reduced sex drive may also occur. Recurrent urinary tract infections may also occur. Some women experience urinary leakage when exercising, coughing or laughing, or when they suddenly feel an urgent need to urinate that is hard to control (source: La ménopause provoquée par le traitement — Le blog du Groupe Sein CHL).
These symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Options are available to help improve intimate comfort.
Good to know: every woman experiences this transition differently
Not every woman experiences symptoms during perimenopause. Some have few or none, while others experience more pronounced symptoms. Their nature, intensity and duration vary from person to person.
What can help relieve symptoms?
Several approaches may be considered, depending on your needs and the severity of your symptoms.
Adapting your lifestyle
Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stopping smoking help protect your health during this transition. Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine may also ease certain symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats (source: Coping better with perimenopause and menopause – Health portal).
Considering treatment on an individual basis
The choice of treatment depends on your symptoms, their impact on daily life, your medical history, and your contraceptive needs. A consultation can help identify suitable options before the discomfort becomes a lasting problem.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be considered to relieve certain symptoms, particularly hot flushes. Your doctor will assess the potential benefits and risks before prescribing it. It is not always necessary and is not suitable for everyone (source: Treatments – Health portal).
For vaginal dryness, you can discuss local treatments, particularly those containing oestrogen, with your doctor. Other, non-hormonal approaches may be offered depending on your symptoms and any contraindications.
Food supplements and herbal remedies: what precautions should you take?
Certain food supplements and herbal products, such as soya, red clover, or black cohosh, are marketed to relieve menopausal symptoms. However, the evidence for their effectiveness and safety is not consistent across products, and interactions with certain medicines are possible.
Before using them, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, particularly if you are taking medication or have a relevant medical history.
How can you adjust your daily routine and medical care?
Regular medical reviews provide an opportunity to discuss symptoms, contraception, and appropriate preventive measures. They also help distinguish perimenopausal symptoms from other health problems.
To prepare for your appointment, you can note down the dates of your periods, the frequency of hot flushes, and any changes in your sleep or mood. These details make it easier to describe your symptoms and their effects on your daily life.
Psychological support may also be helpful. If you experience anxiety or persistent low mood, speaking to a professional can help identify your needs. Cognitive behavioural therapy in particular may help you manage certain sleep problems, emotional symptoms, or hot flushes.
Good to know: supplementary health insurance to support your care
Appointments, tests, treatments: perimenopause may require medical follow-up tailored to your needs. In Luxembourg, Foyer’s medicis supplementary health insurance provides additional cover on top of reimbursements from the National Health Fund (CNS), subject to the benefits and limits of your chosen plan. To get a clearer picture of your potential out-of-pocket costs, ask your Foyer agent which healthcare services are covered, what the reimbursement limits are and what supporting documents you will need to provide.
Perimenopause is about more than your periods gradually coming to an end. It is an opportunity to review your health and adapt your care to your needs. When symptoms affect your daily life, speaking to your doctor can help you explore solutions before they become difficult to cope with.
Frequently asked questions about perimenopause
Should I wait until my periods stop before seeing a doctor?
No. Symptoms that affect your sleep of mood, or interfere with your daily activities, are a reason to seek medical advice, even if you are still having periods. Options to help manage them can be considered at this stage.
Is hormone replacement therapy essential?
No. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and your medical circumstances. Lifestyle changes or non-hormonal approaches may be sufficient or preferred.
How long does perimenopause last?
Perimenopause generally lasts two to four years, sometimes longer. Its duration and the symptoms that accompany it vary from one woman to another.
Can you still get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes. Even when your periods become irregular, pregnancy is still possible. Suitable contraception therefore remains necessary until your doctor confirms that you can stop using it.
Is a blood test needed to confirm perimenopause?
No, not routinely. Your doctor will primarily consider your age, changes in your menstrual cycle, and the symptoms you are experiencing. Because hormone levels fluctuate considerably during this stage, a single hormone test cannot reliably confirm perimenopause. However, your doctor may arrange further tests if you are under 45 or if your circumstances warrant them.
