Perimenopause
Perimenopause: What You Need to Know
Perimenopause is a natural phase in life, but many of us don’t talk about it nearly enough. That silence can make it feel isolating or overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s what you need to know about this transitional time, who it affects, and how taking small steps—like talking openly or trying hypnotherapy—can make all the difference.
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Who is Affected by Perimenopause?
Perimenopause typically begins in your 40s but can start as early as your mid-30s. It’s the period leading up to menopause, when your hormone levels (especially oestrogen) begin to fluctuate. This phase can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the individual.
While it’s often seen as a physical change, perimenopause can also deeply affect emotional and mental health. It’s not just women who experience it—partners, families, and colleagues are also impacted indirectly. That’s why understanding and talking about it matters.
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Signs and Symptoms
Every woman’s experience is unique, but some common symptoms include:
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Physical: Hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, weight gain, sleep disturbances.
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Emotional: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness.
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Cognitive: Brain fog, memory lapses, or difficulty concentrating.
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General Wellbeing: Fatigue, low libido, and joint pain.
Because these symptoms overlap with other life stresses, perimenopause can often be misunderstood or dismissed.
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Breaking the Silence
Perimenopause has historically been a taboo subject. But staying quiet only adds to the struggle. Talking openly with friends, family, or a healthcare professional can be incredibly empowering. Not only does it validate your experience, but it also opens the door to support and solutions.
Research shows that reducing stress and building a positive mindset can significantly alleviate perimenopause symptoms. That’s where hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy come in.
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How Hypnotherapy and Strategic Psychotherapy Can Help
Hypnotherapy helps calm your nervous system, making it easier to manage stress and get better sleep. When combined with strategic psychotherapy, it tackles specific challenges like anxiety, low mood, or energy crashes, giving you the tools to regain balance and control.
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The best part about perimenopause is that by this stage, you've already gathered decades of experience and wisdom. These life experiences work perfectly with a strategic approach. With hypnotherapy alongside, you'll have the space to put everything together in a way that helps you manage and thrive in the long run.
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Hints and Tips to Try Anytime
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Prioritise Rest: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and try relaxation techniques before bed, like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
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Stay Active: Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming can reduce stress and boost mood. Take on exercise that helps you gain muscle mass as this will help you manage weight.
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Eat Mindfully: Incorporate hormone-supporting foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich fish into your diet.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keeping a journal can help you identify triggers and patterns, making it easier to manage symptoms or discuss them with a professional.
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Try Mindfulness or Hypnosis: Guided meditations or hypnotherapy sessions can create moments of calm in your day and help you focus on what’s within your control.
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You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone
Perimenopause is a shared experience for so many, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Talking about it, exploring therapeutic options, and making small daily changes can bring relief and clarity.
If you’re curious about how hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy could help, feel free to reach out. Let’s start a conversation and create a plan that works for you.
Disclaimer: Hypnotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if hypnotherapy is right for you or your loved one.
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We Need to Rethink Perimenopause: From Silence to Support
For too long, perimenopause has been a quiet struggle. Unlike the open conversations and support networks that exist for new mums, this universal phase of life often goes unnoticed and unsupported. It’s time to shift our perspective and start talking about it—because sharing our experiences is the first step to creating meaningful change.
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Perimenopause, which can start in your 30s or 40s and last years before menopause, affects every part of life: health, relationships, work, and self-image. Symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, sleep troubles, and hot flashes can be debilitating, yet they’re often brushed off or misunderstood. The stigma and lack of education around this phase have left countless women navigating it alone, without the resources or empathy they deserve.
But the tide is starting to turn. Celebrities, doctors, and everyday women are speaking up, sharing their stories, and advocating for better awareness and care. This cultural shift reminds us that perimenopause isn’t a problem to be solved—it’s a natural part of life that deserves understanding and support.
The key takeaway? We need to normalise conversations about perimenopause, just as we do with other milestones in women’s lives. By talking openly, seeking support, and exploring options like hypnotherapy or hormone therapy, we can ensure no one feels isolated during this transition. Let’s embrace this phase with the same openness and care we’ve extended to other aspects of womanhood—it’s long overdue.