UBCNews - Business - Early Signs Of Perimenopause: What You Need To Know About Symptoms & Treatments

Episode Date: January 14, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're getting into something that affects millions of women but doesn't always get the conversation it deserves—perimenopause. You know, that transition phase before menopause that can start way earlier than you might think. So, have you ever wondered why your body suddenly feels... different in your late thirties or forties? Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're getting into something that affects millions of women, but doesn't always get the conversation it deserves, parimenopause. You know, that transition phase before menopause, that can start way earlier than you might think. So, have you ever wondered why your body suddenly feels different in your late 30s or 40s? Oh, absolutely. And you're right, it's such an important topic. Paramenopause is basically the body's way of proportionate.

pairing to end its reproductive years. It's a gradual process that typically starts in a woman's mid-40s, but it can begin as early as the mid-30s for some women. That early? Wow. So what's usually the first sign that someone might be entering perimenopause? The first noticeable sign is often irregular periods. You might see changes in your cycle length.

Maybe it's shorter or longer than usual. Or the flow could be heavier or lighter. Some women even skip periods altogether. It's basically your menstrual cycle going a bit haywire because of fluctuating hormone levels, primarily estrogen. Makes sense. And once those irregular periods start, I imagine other symptoms follow, right?

I've heard hot flashes are pretty common. Definitely. Hot flashes affect about 80% of women going through this. They feel like a sudden wave of warmth, often with sweating and a flushed face. They can last for months or even years. and then there are night sweats, which are basically hot flashes that happen while you're sleeping. Those can really disrupt sleep patterns and leave you exhausted.

Oh, that sounds rough. Sleep is already precious enough without night sweats messing it up. What about the emotional side? I mean, hormones affect mood too. Oh, for sure. Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, even panic attacks. These are all common during paramenopause. The fluctuating estrogen levels affect brain neurotransmitters.

so it's biologically driven. I remember talking to a friend who said she just didn't feel like herself anymore, you know? She'd lost interest in activities she used to love and felt really unmotivated. It can be tough. That's really relatable. And I think a lot of women might feel alone in that experience.

Um, what about cognitive stuff, like memory or focus? Brain fog is a big one. Women report memory struggles and difficulty concentrating. It's frustrating because you're trying to function normally, but your brain just isn't cooperating the way it used to, like walking into a room and forgetting why you're there, except it happens all the time. Right, exactly. And I've also heard about physical changes like weight gain.

What's going on there? Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, is super common. It's due to a slowed metabolism, hormonal shifts, and changes in body composition. Estrogen decline affects how the body stores fat, so even if you're eating the same and exercising the same, you might still notice weight creeping on. It's like your body decided to change the rules without telling you. Ha, that's one way to put it. So, uh, that point about body composition and hormonal shifts sets up our next piece, treatment options. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Whether you're deep into menopause or just starting your perimenopause journey,

Betty Johansson's dancing through menopause can help you approach this life change with positivity. Publishers Wordsmith World, this book embodies a message of empowerment for women approaching or experiencing menopause. With this guide, you are invited not just to navigate menopause, but to dance through it with grace and vigor. Learn more at bettyjohansson.com. All right, picking up on body composition and those hormonal shifts, how do you actually manage all these symptoms? What are the treatment options? Great question. The most effective treatment for many perimenopausal symptoms is hormone therapy or ht it helps address declining estrogen with a combination of estrogen and if you still have your uterus progesterone it's especially

helpful for hot flashes night sweats and vaginal dryness antidepressants are also considered a first line treatment for some symptoms mm-hmm that makes sense and there are non-hormonal options too certain antidepressants like ssrIs can help with hot flashes and mood swings there are also medications like gabapentin that can relieve hot flashes, so if hormone therapy isn't right for someone, there are other paths. That's good to know. What about lifestyle changes? Can those really make a difference? Oh, they can make a huge difference. Regular exercise, think yoga, strength training, aerobic activities, helps prevent weight gain, boosts mood, and can even reduce hot flashes. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is really important too. And you

want to limit caffeine, alcohol, and processed sugars because those can trigger symptoms. So lifestyle adjustments are a big part of managing this transition, really a big part of feeling better overall. Right. And I imagine staying hydrated is key as well? Definitely. Staying hydrated supports skin hydration and elasticity. While direct evidence for reducing hot flashes through hydration alone is less explicit in research, it is a common recommendation for overall well-being during paramenopause, and sleep hygiene is vital, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bed. These things really add up. I see, go on. What about natural remedies? Are there herbal options that work? Some women try supplements for symptom relief

and to boost nutrition. However, research on the effectiveness of these supplements varies, though, so consulting a health care provider before trying them is really important. That's solid advice. And speaking of health care providers, when should someone actually see a doctor about this? If symptoms are severe or interfering with daily life, it's time to consult a gynecologist. They can help rule out other health issues, discuss personalized treatment plans, and make sure you're getting the support you need. Heavy or unusual bleeding, for example, could signal something else like fibroids or even uterine cancer, so don't ignore that. Right, that's really important. So to everyone listening, don't hesitate.

to reach out for help if you need it. This is a natural process, but you don't have to suffer through it alone. Exactly. Paramenopause can last anywhere from a few months to 10 years, with an average of about four years before the final period. Knowing what to expect and having a plan to manage symptoms can make all the difference. Actually, I had a colleague who went through early paramedopause in her late 30s. She told me she wished she'd spoken to her doctor sooner, instead of just assuming she was

stressed. That's a really good point. I think the key takeaway here is that perimenopause is natural, it's manageable, and there are so many tools available, whether that's hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, or natural remedies. The important thing is finding what works for you and not being afraid to ask for help. Couldn't agree more, your body is just preparing for the next stage in life, and with the right support, you can move through it with confidence.

Thanks so much for breaking all of this down today. It's been such an enlightening conversation. My pleasure. Thanks for having me.