Are you in your 40s, juggling work, family, and social life, and noticing changes like fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances? You're not alone. These signs could be more than just stress; they might indicate the onset of perimenopause.
Perimenopause, also known as the menopause transition, often occurring between 40 and 50 years of age, marks the time when your body begins transitioning towards menopause. It's characterised by menstrual irregularity and symptoms due to fluctuating hormone levels, such as mood changes and depression, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and memory issues.
Duration varies, lasting from 2 to 10 years, and experiences differ widely among individuals. Some women don’t seem to feel any effects, while it can greatly affect the quality of life of others.
Case sharing: Embracing change – Wing’s emotional perimenopause journey
Wing, who was 43 years old, began to feel a profound shift in her mood, affecting her sense of self and professional identity. At work, where she once excelled, she now faced a crushing sense of inadequacy. The stress from work only deepened her struggles. She initially thought it was due to the dual impact of her menstrual period and work, leading to her decision to take a short break from work. Upon her return, she still felt emotionally unstable, fuelling her sense of unworthiness. This emotional turmoil was compounded by her professional self-doubt.
She finally decided to consult a doctor. The diagnosis of her perimenopausal condition brought both relief and clarity. Understanding that her mood swings were tied to hormonal changes, Wing embraced treatment and lifestyle changes, which gradually restored her confidence and emotional balance. Her journey from confusion to self-acceptance highlights the profound impact of compassionate understanding and support from medical professionals in navigating life's challenging transitions.
What do you know about perimenopause?
It is estimated that 1.2 billion women worldwide will experience perimenopause symptoms in 2025. It is not a disease, but a natural part of the lifecycle that can significantly alter the quality of life. The more we learn about the effects, the more we may be able to improve the experience of someone going through a difficult time.
In a recent survey of women, more than 60% of women said they were not informed about perimenopause before the age of 40. They talked about their woeful lack of preparedness which made them feel disempowered and caused them to lose confidence both in themselves and in their bodies.
As more awareness of perimenopause and menopause grows across the globe, this will hopefully reduce the stigma that currently exists around menopause and also improve access to best-practice menopause healthcare, for instance, the first-in-market menopause focused women’s health management programme AXA Better She.
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How can you deal with perimenopause?
Currently there are 34 known symptoms that women can experience during the menopause transition. These include weight gain, sleep disturbance, mood changes, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and many more. Every woman is different, therefore knowing more and seeking help can be reassuring. Here are some steps to help you feel confident in your menopause transition.
1. Educate yourself and become an advocate for your own health
Educating yourself about menopause empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Stay updated on the latest research, read reputable sources, and consult with healthcare professionals who specialise in menopause care. By being proactive and well-informed, you can confidently navigate this transformative phase.
2. Testing for menopause
If you are experiencing menopause-like symptoms, it is recommended to seek a healthcare professional and gain clarity whether you are in the perimenopause stage. Your doctor can check your sex hormone and ovarian function with certain tests. You can learn more about your hormonal status and then make educated decisions.
3. Treatment for perimenopause
Each person experiences menopause in a different way and therefore not every treatment is appropriate in all cases. Lifestyle, background and medical risks should all be taken into account when deciding on treatment. It’s important to understand what your options are, as well as listening to your medical professional.
4. Complementary therapies
Explore alternative approaches such as Chinese medication. The use of Chinese Medicine treatment during menopause is to restore the balance and harmonisation of Yin and Yang, Qi, Blood and Essence. The treatments such as herbal drinks and acupuncture are used for women with mild or moderate menopausal symptoms.
5. Speak to a friend, or family member
A problem shared is a problem halved. Sharing how you are feeling can help someone signpost you in the right direction for help and significantly improve your quality of life.
Apart from adjusting your mentality and receiving appropriate treatments, what we ingest also has a direct impact on our health. Intaking nutrient-rich foods, vitamins, minerals, and staying hydrated will help our body function well in perimenopause.
Speak with a health professional about exploring a comprehensive non-insurance women's healthcare management programme like AXA Better She, you'll discover that you have a dedicated team of experts ready to support you through every aspect of menopause holistically. This includes check-ups, medical guidance, Chinese medication treatments, symptom relief treatments, and valuable nutrition advice. Embrace your menopause transition with confidence, knowing that you'll have a compassionate and knowledgeable team by your side to guide you.
Take control of your health at HKD10 per day
12-month programme costs only HKD3,650. Start your health journey with Better She now!
Embrace your menopause transition
Are you ready for perimenopause? The menopause transition is not the end but a new beginning. Focus on self-care and celebrate the freedom and opportunities that come with this phase. Remember, you are embarking on a new chapter filled with possibilities and a renewed sense of self.
This article is provided by Lisa Tarquini of The Menopause Space.
Terms and conditions apply. For more details, please refer to ‘Better She’ Programme’s promotional website and leaflets.
Information and materials provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical or health advice from AXA Hong Kong and is on an “as is” and “as-available” basis without representation and/or warranty of any kind, either express or implied. While AXA Hong Kong has taken reasonable care in providing such information and materials, they are not specific to your investment objective, financial situation, health or medical conditions or particular needs. No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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