Signals show menopause is on its way

NADIA is in the perimenopause, the transition stage where hormones are adjusting before the full menopause kicks in.

“Peri” means around, and so the term is simply used to describe the time in a woman’s life when she is not menopausal but going through changes leading to that stage.

The perimenopause lasts four years, on average.

Most women experience symptoms of the perimenopause between the ages of 40 and 50, a few months or in some cases years before periods stop. Irregular periods, hot flushes, hair loss, reduced sex drive and insomnia are all symptoms of the perimenopause.

Others include the need to urinate more often, memory lapses, aching joints and muscles, indigestion, flatulence, weight gain or an increase in facial hair.

There is no quick fix or treatment for the perimenopause. But experts say women who are finding the symptoms difficult to cope with should see their GP, who may prescribe hormone replacement therapy if necessary.