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You don’t have to ‘just carry on’ – here’s when to see a doctor about perimenopause
I just wish I knew more – I had no idea of what to expect and what to do
This is the most common sentiment shared by women about perimenopause and menopause. Stigma, embarrassment, a lack of public awareness, and miscommunication mean that for many this phase of their life is scary, complicated, and mismanaged.
To start, it is crucial people understand the different terms. Menopause is a point in time - a single day in a woman's or person with a cycle’s life when their ovaries have stopped producing hormones. Currently there is no test to determine when this will happen, or if it has happened. So, doctors diagnose menopause retrospectively, when one year has passed since your last period (1). The time that leads up to the day of menopause, when a woman is experiencing symptoms is known as perimenopause. This can last a number of years, but the average is four years (2).
The average age of menopause is 51, so the majority of women will start their perimenopause journey, and experience symptoms from their mid forties (3).
There are over 30 symptoms of perimenopause, and these can be physical, mental and emotional (4). Although hot flashes and irregular heavy periods are often noted as the hallmarks of perimenopause, these symptoms are not experienced by everyone (1).
In my clinical experience, sleep disturbance, anxiety and weight gain are more common but often misidentified by women and healthcare professionals, attributing it to other medical conditions or issues (5). In particular, trouble getting to or staying asleep can be the first symptom, possibly starting as early as your late thirties or early forties. For many, this coincides with disturbed sleep from having children.
So, when should I see a doctor?
Many women wonder when they should see their doctor about their symptoms, often putting it off due to fear or embarrassment, or not wanting to ‘cause a fuss’. The feeling that you should just carry on and wait until it gets really bad is very common.
Everyone’s journey is individual and while there is no wrong time to seek help from healthcare professionals, the focus should be on you and your symptoms–not what your friends and colleagues are doing and experiencing. If you feel you notice symptoms and/or changes in your body and emotions, reach out for help.
It is very useful and empowering to seek guidance and advice. Discussing what you are feeling can help you better understand what your options are to manage your symptoms and improve your long-term health and wellbeing.
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The power of keeping track
It is particularly helpful to track your symptoms, as it gives you a record of what’s happening and when. There are many ways to do this but the Clue app is particularly good, as there is a specific Perimenopause mode that can help make symptom tracking easier.
Tracking is useful for you, but – by sharing it with your doctor – it also allows them to easily and quickly get a sense of your experience. It helps them to help you in determining what are the best options for treatment of your individual symptoms.
There are many doctors who specialize in perimenopause symptoms and management, or women’s health more generally. And it is best, where possible, to see these specific doctors - due to their knowledge, skills and experience.
While generalist doctors can help, it is often limited and women need more specialist advice. Ask your local doctor’s practice to recommend which doctor is the women’s health specialist, or has an interest in that area.
Given the length of perimenopause and its significant impact on your life, finding a doctor who listens to and understands you is key. They should give you the time and reassurance to speak freely, and help you advocate for yourself so you can make your own decisions.
If you’re not happy with a doctor, remember it is normal and accepted to see another doctor either within the practice or elsewhere. It’s your health journey, and with the help of the right healthcare providers, you should feel empowered to take control of it.
