Premenopause: The Stage Before Menopause

This is the phase prior to the menopause period and can last for several years. Menstruation is still recurrent and although the first symptoms associated with menopause may begin, the most frequent are those associated with aging.

When does premenopause occur?

Premenopause occurs between the ages of 40 and 45 , although some women may experience symptoms even before the age of 40. This process is considered to begin at the age of 35, since previously, the fertile stage ended at an earlier age. However, nowadays, women are becoming mothers at a later age, which delays the onset of premenopause a little.

How long does premenopause last?

In Spain, the age of premenopause varies . The duration can vary between 2 and 10 years , although the average is 4 years . During this time, the ovaries begin to lose their function, so the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones, begin to gradually decrease, causing the physical and emotional changes characteristic of this stage. The loss of the protective effect of estrogen, together with other factors, causes an acceleration in the body's aging process and hormonal instability.

Symptoms of premenopause:

Premenopause is characterized by a series of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration from one woman to another. Symptoms during this stage are usually related to maturity. This is accompanied by a series of signs that are consequent to age. The passing of the years causes a series of phenomena at the cellular level that trigger oxidative stress and chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”).

Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Increased sagging: Loss of collagen in the dermis causes the skin to lose firmness, becoming less smooth and more flaccid.
• Decreased muscle mass: There is a gradual loss of muscle mass, which can result in reduced strength and functionality.
• Loss of hair density: Hair may become thinner and more fragile, and hair loss may occur.
• Skin with less thickness and elasticity: The loss of elastin in the dermis causes the skin to become thinner, drier and less elastic, losing firmness.
• Marked wrinkles and expression lines: Expression lines around the eyes, mouth and nasolabial fold become more pronounced and wrinkles may appear.
• Nervous tension or stress: the variation in estrogen levels can cause a greater feeling of stress and anxiety.
• Anxiety: Episodes of anxiety may be experienced for no apparent reason.
• Migraines: Hormonal changes can trigger or worsen migraines.
• Mood changes: irritability, worry, sadness or sudden mood swings.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings. (36.5% of women )

Among the less frequent we observe:

• Hot flashes: These are sudden episodes of heat that may be accompanied by sweating, chills, nausea and palpitations (12.5% ​​of women).
• Weight gain: Difficulty maintaining a stable weight or tendency to gain weight.
• Dryness of the mucous membranes (vaginal, eyes, mouth...): Decreased vaginal lubrication, which can cause discomfort during sexual relations.

But you are not alone!

1.9 million women in Spain and 1.14 billion women worldwide are going through the same thing as you. It is important to remember that every woman is different and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to premenopause. If you are experiencing symptoms that bother you, it is best to consult your doctor so that they can advise you and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your case.

Premenopause is a natural stage in a woman's life, but it doesn't have to be a negative experience. With a little information and self-care, you can navigate this stage with confidence and enjoy a full, healthy life.

Women, let's join forces:

At Madequa we have realized 2 very important things:

• There is a LOT of misinformation about this VERY long stage in a woman's life.
• There is a lot of negativity, shame and taboo surrounding this natural cycle our body goes through.

But we have come to change things, our mission is:

• Provide scientific information so that you can enjoy a well-managed menopause.
• Empowering women to get rid of social complexes and live this process naturally, with culture, strength and freedom.

If you don't identify with these data, you may be in one of the other two stages of menopause (perimenopause or postmenopause) → read the following blog and find out or take our test to better understand which stage you are in.

References

Larrea, DEP (2018, May 9). Difference between premenopause and perimenopause. Assisted Reproduction ORG. https://www.reproduccionasistida.org/que-es-la-perimenopausia/perimenopausia/

Gynecologist Elena Marín | Premenopause What is it and what are its symptoms? (sf). https://ginecologacordoba.com/premenopausia-que-es-y-cuales-son-sus-sintomas/

García, I. (2021, December 13). Premenopause and a lot of sleep. Menopause Institute. https://www.institutodelamenopausia.com/divulgacion/sintomas/premenopausia-y-mucho-sueno

Higher Health Naturopathic Center & IV Lounge. (sf). women hormone imbalance Archives - Higher Health Naturopathic Center and IV Lounge. Higher Health Naturopathic Center And IV Lounge. https://www.higherhealthcentre.com/tag/women-hormone-imbalance/

Villar, LP (2020, March 2). Decrease in estrogen levels with age. Assisted Reproduction ORG. https://www.reproduccionasistida.org/muco-cuello-uterino/grafica-hormonas-estrogenos/

Nanette Santoro, MD - Perimenopause: From research to practice. (2016). National Library Of Medicine, PMCID: PMC4834516PMID: 26653408. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4834516/

Pérez Larrea, E., Barranquero Gómez, M., & Salvador, Z. (2024, March 6). What is perimenopause? - Symptoms and possibility of pregnancy. Assisted Reproduction ORG. https://www.reproduccionasistida.org /what-is-perimenopause/#perimenopause-or-premenopause

Ruiz, A. (2020, September 28). Difference between premenopause, perimenopause, menopause and climacteric. Menopause Institute. https://www.institutodelamenopausia.com/divulgacion/sintomas/diferencia-entre-premenopausia-perimenopausia-menopausia- and-climacteric