Perimenopause and Worsening Symptoms Before Your Period
Have you ever noticed that your perimenopause symptoms seem to ramp up just before your period? You're not imagining it – there's a hormonal reason behind it!
Those pre-period waves of irritability, tiredness, bloating, and even those bursts of unexplained rage – they often feel more intense when your hormones are doing big, unpredictable swings. And during perimenopause, that’s exactly what’s happening.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster of Perimenopause
Let’s talk about oestradiol – the main form of oestrogen. In a typical menstrual cycle, oestradiol follows a fairly predictable pattern. It rises after your period starts, peaks around ovulation, dips a little, then rises again around day 24, before dropping just before your period begins.
But in perimenopause? All bets are off!
Ovulation becomes more hit or miss, and your body tries to compensate by pumping out more oestradiol. It’s basically a last-ditch effort to release more eggs – because even in your 40s or 50s, your body is still trying to make you pregnant. This results in dramatic hormonal peaks and crashes, leading to all kinds of symptoms: shorter cycles, heavy bleeding, mood swings, and general hormonal chaos.
So, What Can You Do?
If you’re not using hormonal contraception, a herb called Agnus castus can be really helpful for PMS-type symptoms. It’s typically taken over a few months to get the best results.
Also, don’t forget the basics – supporting your nervous system can go a long way in easing stress and improving sleep. This might look like getting more rest, managing your stress levels, or even just making time to slow down.
If your periods are particularly heavy or you’re feeling especially wiped out, it’s worth asking your GP to check your iron levels – just to rule out anaemia.
And one more simple but often overlooked tip: stay well hydrated and keep your electrolytes balanced. It can make a surprisingly big difference to your energy levels.
I hope you found this helpful! Got questions or want to share your experience? Pop them in the comments.
Other topics that you may find helpful:
5 perimenopause tips I wish I knew sooner
10 self-care tips for perimenopause, menopause & postmenopause
