What are the most common symptoms of perimenopause?
The most well-known symptom of menopause is hot flushes and night sweats. However, according to results from our Menopause Symptom Checker, I think this is really interesting, the top three most common symptoms of perimenopause are actually fatigue, sleep problems, and anxiety. So, we're shattered, we're rattled, and we can't sleep.
Now, this can be quite a vicious circle. Any one of these symptoms is going to feed or amplify the others.
Being tired is going to strain the nervous system, so we're more likely to feel the effects of stress. And, when we're stressed, it's harder to sleep.
It makes sense to try and target tiredness and exhaustion first because if you think of it, the body's working hard dealing with all these changeable hormones. So, we need extra energy.
GP blood screening can rule out physical reasons for fatigue like thyroid imbalance or anaemia. Anaemia is common in perimenopause when periods are heavy or they're just a bit too frequent. An iron tonic like Floradix might make all the difference.
Make sleep a big priority. If you wake rested, it's going to give you more energy, more vitality, and you're going to be more resilient to life's stresses. Now, you might need to adjust. You might need to spend eight or nine hours in bed to get seven hours of sleep.
Use any moments of wakefulness to practice rest and relaxation techniques that are going to help you sleep and are going to help anxiety, such as deep breathing or meditation. I like to imagine a little red ball in my tummy, and it's spreading warmth as I breathe. It's a great way of warming your feet up in bed too.
Relaxing and calming herbs such as Passiflora and Lemon balm can be helpful. Magnesium can help support the immune system and relax muscles. This essential mineral can also help fight fatigue as it contributes to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.
Looking for an easy way to top up your magnesium intake?
We include a good amount of magnesium in our Balance Perimenopause Multi-nutrient drink, which also includes other key vitamins and minerals to help support you in 10 different ways during perimenopause.
A.Vogel Balance Perimenopause Supplement | Helps Support You in 10 Ways | One-a-Day | Strawberry Flavoured
£17.99 (77g (14 x 5.5g)) In Stock
More tips and advice
Want to learn more about the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause? Head over to our menopause coach Eileen's blog 'Is this a symptom of perimenopause and menopause', where she discusses many of the common symptoms, as well as some of the lesser-known symptoms, strange ones and other possible causes of symptoms you need to be aware of.
You may also find these articles helpful:
Why do I feel so rattled & anxious in perimenopause?
Perimenopause sleep problems: Struggling to fall asleep
Perimenopause sleep problems: Frequently waking during the night
