Ladies, we all know what the menopause is, but did you know that our bodies enter a stage called perimenopause as much as 10 years before the ‘true’ menopause (which we don’t ‘officially’ enter until we haven’t had a period for 12 months). Read on to learn more about the perimenopause, and learn even more about it from a singing uterus in the video below (yes really!)…

10 Facts About Perimenopause You Should Know

  1. Perimenopause can start up to 10 years before the ‘true’ menopause, and is the time when the ovaries start to produce less oestrogen.
  2. The average length of perimenopause is 4 years, but it can last anywhere from a few months to 10 years.
  3. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause are very similar to those of the menopause so it’s easy to get the two mixed up.
  4. You can still get pregnant during the perimenopause – if you don’t want to become pregnant, it’s important to use contraception for at least 12 months after your last period.
  5. The most common symptoms are problems sleeping, irregular periods, hot flushes, tender breasts and decreased libido.
  6. Perimenopause can also cause gynaecological symptoms such as vaginal dryness (also called vaginal atrophy), stress incontinence and urgency as the pelvic floor muscles weaken.
  7. As an addition to fact #6, therefore it’s really important to do your pelvic floor exercises before, during and after perimenopause to avoid embarrassing leaks.
  8. If you’re concerned about any perimenopause symptoms, or you’re not sure whether you have entered this stage, your doctor can run tests to check your hormone levels.
  9. Perimenopause can cause mood changes that feel like really bad PMS, not everyone suffers, but if you do, talk to someone who can help.
  10. You can learn more about the perimenopause from a singing uterus (really!) in the video below… enjoy!