1.2 Premenopause: the changes are starting

Premenopause is the time before the transition. “Pre” means “before” and “menopause” is the time when your periods stop. The onset of the menopause process can be very slow or quite abrupt, with very general symptoms.

If you are around 45 years of age and experience new symptoms that are unusual for you, discuss them with your doctor. They might be the first signs of your transition to menopause.

During premenopause, many women have progesterone deficiency, mostly also caused by stress.

Common symptoms of premenopause

• Periods can be heavier or lighter

• Periods can be longer or shorter

• Length of time between periods can change

• Water retention in your legs, arms or face

• Tenderness in your breasts

• Headaches or joint pains

• Mood swings

• Feeling irritable

• Dizziness

• Feeling more hungry

• Weight gain

Practical tip:

Eating a healthy and varied diet and getting plenty of exercise will help you feel good and maintain your weight.

As your period changes, your menstrual cycle and fertility will also change. Women whose wish for children has not been fulfilled yet should start to come to terms with this issue and finally let go of it for good.