Is my partner displaying perimenopausal symptoms?

Often in life, it is our partners who notice changes in our health and wellbeing before we do ourselves. When we act out of character or behave differently than usual, we don’t necessarily notice it straight away. Such can be the case when it comes to the perimenopause. They may notice that tempers are quicker to fray, or our sleeping patterns are slightly off-kilter. These could be perimenopausal symptoms.

Every woman’s journey through life is marked by different stages. One of largest and most significant transitions is menopause. However, before reaching this pivotal point, many women experience a phase called perimenopause. Perimenopause is a natural part of our ageing journey, and it can bring about various physical and emotional changes like anxiety, mood swings and brain fog. These symptoms begin before our periods stop and can continue for many years afterwards too.

Within Eve was created so we can take better care of ourselves at this stage in our life. So, in this blog, we will delve into what it means to be perimenopausal and some of the ways we can work together with our partners to help ourselves through it. 

A woman stands a window cooling herself down by flapping a piece of paper and holding her hair up.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is another way of saying menopausal transition. It is the phase women go through leading up to menopause. It is usually seen in women in their 40s, but it’s perfectly natural for it to begin in our 30s. This transition period can last for many years as the result of the gradual decline in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen. This ultimately culminates in menopause.

Perimenopausal symptoms

So what sort of symptoms should we be looking out for when it comes to the perimenopause? There are many physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms associated with it, and they can vary greatly from woman to woman. Some may experience them more intensely than others. 

One of the hallmark signs of perimenopause is irregular periods. You may experience shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, or skip periods altogether. These changes are primarily due to fluctuating hormone levels.

You may also begin to experience sudden, intense waves of heat which can lead to flushing, sweating, and discomfort. Hot flushes are often experienced during the day, while night sweats can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue. Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep can become more common.

Decreased estrogen levels can result in vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort. This can also make sexual intercourse painful. It may also be that some women may experience change in their sex drive during perimenopause due to hormonal changes and physical discomfort. Lower estrogen levels also has an impact on bone density, increasing the risks of osteoporosis

A woman sits on the edge of her bed looking tired and anxious.

Hormonal fluctuations can also affect your mood and emotional well-being. Many women report increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and even depression during perimenopause. As metabolism continues to slow down, it’s also easier to gain weight. 

Some women may notice difficulties with memory, concentration, and cognitive function. This is often referred to as “menopausal brain fog” and can make it difficult to concentrate on problems. 

Finally, many women experience increased frequency of urination or urinary incontinence. This is a result of changes in the urinary tract. If our partners highlight any of these perimenopausal symptoms, it can sometimes trigger a realisation that we are experiencing more than we first thought.

Coping with Perimenopause

Although the perimenopause can present a variety challenges, strategies are available to help manage its symptoms and maintain overall well-being. Although our bodies seem to be acting on their own accord, Within Eve’s body sensors can track patterns and offer suggestions for management. 

Not only can Within Eve support womens health and wellbeing around their hormonal lifecycle, one-to-one support form us can make positive changes to the lives of those going through the perimenopause. 

By wearing a skin sensor for 4 weeks,  you’ll be able to track real-time data concerning your body’s responses to diet, sleep, and exercise. See what works, see what doesn’t, and make decisions based on what is best for you.

Right now, you can take advantage of our special offer. Receive one-to-one coaching and transform your life and body for a month for just £400 – that’s a £1,100 saving. In return, all we ask is for regular social media content from you, sharing your experience that Within Eve can use to spread our word to women around the country. Click here for more information.