Discover everything you need to know about perimenopause, from symptoms and common myths to everything you can do to prepare for and manage the transition. Delve into the world of periods, fertility and sex, as well as your emotional and mental health. Look at how you can change your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, sleep and more. And explore the various options available to help manage the symptoms and prepare for the next stage in life.
The Smart Women’s Guide to the Perimenopause
Welcome to PERIMENOPAUSE • Find out what to expect in this book and how to get the most out of it
INTRODUCTION
Stages of Menopause • We break down the three main stages of menopause, and what each stage means to you
Early menopause • Some women will experience early menopause, whether naturally or due to medical intervention
Understanding PERI menopause • Find out what’s happening to your body and hormones during the transition to menopause
Other key hormones • A brief guide to Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Diagnosing perimenopause • How do you know if you’re in perimenopause?
Mythbusting the perimenopause • Don’t believe everything you hear! We debunk some of the most common myths around the menopause transition
Feeling hot, hot, hot! • Hot flushes (or flashes) are probably the best-known symptom of the menopause, but can be surrounded in myth
Common symptoms • A round-up of the most-common perimenopause symptoms – but you’re very unlikely to get them all
Changes to libido • Your desire for sex can be impacted during perimenopause
Brain fog • Perimenopause can impact on your focus, concentration and memory
Unusual symptoms • As your body goes through changes during perimenopause, it can cause some unexpected effects
When to seek help • While all kinds of different symptoms can be experienced in perimenopause, there are some things you should never ignore
PERIODS, FERTILITY & SEX
How your cycle changes in PERIMENOPAUSE • Changes to your periods are often, but not always, one of the first signs that you’re entering the menopause transition
Using the pill • When you’re on the hormonal contraceptive pill, you might not notice changes to your period
Tracking your periods • The only way to know if your periods change is to monitor them month on month
Fertility and pregnancy • Your reproductive years don’t come to a standstill when you start perimenopause – it’s still possible to get pregnant during this time
Contraception concerns • Perimenopause means you can finally stop taking the pill or using condoms, right? Wrong!
Your vaginal health • During perimenopause there will be changes to your vagina and vulva – here’s what to expect
Symptoms you should never ignore • If you experience any of these, make an appointment to see your doctor for a check-up
Sex and RELATIONSHIPS • Changes to your sex life and relationships during perimenopause are common, but not inevitable
Dating in perimenopause • Don’t let the menopause transition hold you back when it comes to dating in your midlife years
Sex after menopause • Your sex life might be different after you’ve gone through menopause – but that’s not always a bad thing!
EMOTIONAL & MENTAL HEALTH
Monitoring your mental HEALTH • Perimenopause can have an impact on your mental health; we help you recognise common concerns and when to get help
Knowledge is power • The more you know about what’s coming, the better you’ll be able to handle it
Mental health checklist • Look after your mind with this essential guide to...
