Night sweats. Hot flashes. These are the symptoms that most women associate with menopause. However, many women experience these—and other symptoms that they may not recognize as related to menopause—for as many as 10 years before the onset of menopause.
In this Q&A, Kumi Yuki, MD, Director of Mount Sinai’s Virtual Primary Care for Menopause, discusses what you should know and what you can do about symptoms related to perimenopause—the time before menopause.
“It’s important for women to educate themselves about perimenopause. But it’s equally important to make sure that your sources of information are reputable,” Dr. Yuki says. “Social media and word of mouth may not be your best sources of information. Whenever you are going through something you don’t understand, it’s best to speak with your doctor.”
What should women know about perimenopause?
There is an interesting recent study that highlights the fact that many women don’t associate the symptoms they are experiencing as part of perimenopause. While physical changes such as hot flashes, weight gain, and sleep disturbances are widely recognized, other prevalent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, and anxiety often go overlooked.
Kumi Yuki, MD
Women in their 40s and 50s often don’t know what’s going on with their bodies because no one teaches them “this is menopause.” In a sense, it’s like having their first menstrual period, because their body is going through a change for the first time that they have never experienced. And if women are still having their period, they may not associate these symptoms with the gradual changes of perimenopause. It is essential that we address this knowledge gap through targeted education to empower women and promote their overall wellness during this transition.
What are some common symptoms of perimenopause that women might overlook?
There are a number of symptoms, including:
- Pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal dryness
- Joint pain and fatigue
- Brain fog, irritability, mood changes, and anxiety
Women may not realize that this transition into menopause affects the whole body—and mind. Many women may experience symptoms and not associate them with a transition their body is going through. Sometimes, these mood changes may occur around the menstrual cycle and may make it easier to realize the cause, but not always. Many women may not seek treatment and try to push through on their own.
Why is virtual care for perimenopause a good option?
Virtual primary care for menopause increases access and convenience. Often, same-day appointments are available, whereas that’s usually not possible with a gynecologist. If a patient has questions about the way they are feeling, or has basic questions about perimenopause, virtual care provides a great entry point for care. A patient can test the waters, find out options for evaluation and treatment, and start their personal path to managing their symptoms. If a case is more complex, they can see their gynecologist for in-person care. No matter what you are feeling, it is always good to talk to a health care professional because there are options for care.