Weird Perimenopause Symptoms and How to Find Relief

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause, during which your ovaries gradually start producing less estrogen. This phase may take a few months or quite a few years, with most females going through it during their 40s, while some may start noticing signs as early as their 30s. In simple words, perimenopause is the time when the body starts transitioning from the reproductive stage to the post-menopausal stage.

It is a common misconception that menopause occurs all of a sudden. In fact, it is the end stage of the transition phase, the perimenopause. The moment perimenopause occurs,  your ovaries halt ovulation, and you experience abnormal menstrual cycles and hormonal changes. Such alterations bring in a large number of changes to your body physically and mentally. Some common ones are mood swings and hot flashes. However, many less-known ones may leave you truly surprised.

Do you sometimes think what is happening to your body? Does it feel different from how it used to feel before? Do you notice sweating out of nowhere, or do you feel that your skin has become a lot rougher than it used to be? Do you ever feel that your heart beats so fast or your mind seems foggy? All these symptoms welcome you to the ‘perimenopause,’ a period that makes you question “what is happening?”

Weird Perimenopause Symptoms Explained

It can be highlighted that hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings are common menopause symptoms. However, this may only be scratching the surface as there are a whole host of symptoms that are far too unknown. These symptoms can be rather odd and, for some, even be pretty bewildering. Apart from the confusion, the worst part comes when they start thinking if they are the only ones experiencing these things.  

There are several other women with these “strange” symptoms, and they can be just as frustrating as the classic hot flashes and night sweats. The good news? There are ways to cope with it.

1. Crawling Skin or Formication: Is That a Thing?

Have you ever felt out of place about the very odd perception that insects or other bugs are creeping across your body when, in fact, nothing of that sort ever happened? A phenomenon which goes by the name formication.

Quite a few women have been experiencing this in perimenopause, and quite a few have said that it feels like ants are crawling beneath their skin. Sometimes, a tingling feeling which can be both irritating and distressing. 

Formication during perimenopause is mainly due to hormonal changes, especially estrogen. Mostly, it is brief, but it can still be disconcerting, particularly when it strikes suddenly. 

Read “What Happens to Your Hormones During Menopause: Taking a Closer Look” to learn more about hormonal fluctuations during menopause.

2. Changes In Smell And Taste: Can You Smell That?

Menopausal women worldwide frequently experience changes in smell or taste. Still, many are unaware that this is also an effect of menopause. 

Hormonal imbalance is the leading cause of this sensory alteration, especially the estrogen hormone.

Since estrogen is also involved in regulating taste and smell, a drop in the hormone can result in either enhancement or change in the two senses altogether. It’s a weird and surprising symptom, but nothing isn’t anything out of the ordinary about it.

4. Sudden Skin Issues: Breakouts at 45?

If breakouts around the jaw and cheek area are making a recent appearance, then unfortunately, it may be a part of perimenopause. When was the last time you experienced a breakout? In your teenage years? Maybe your 20s? And if you’re beginning to struggle with similar skin issues to those in your 40s and 50s, then you should know estrogen is the culprit here. Its natural decline leads to dry and irritated skin, making it easier for zits to pop up. 

Are you noticing dry patches of skin, redness, or even more irritated skin? Unusually increased skin sensitivity makes it a bit harder to apply skin care products. All these are to be blamed on perimenopause.

5. Tingling Or Numbness: A Weird Sensation In Your Extremities

You may experience a tingling sensation along with numbness around your face, hands, and feet. These are due to hormonal changes messing up your body. 

Do you remember any time you’re watching TV or typing on a phone and suddenly feeling a tingling sensation in your hands? It’s kind of strange and might take you off guard, but do not worry. It is only your body adapting to the change in hormonal levels. 

6. Memory Lapses And Brain Fog: Forgetting What?

More often than not, especially during menopause, women struggle with memory. A chain of questions such as “What exactly was I saying?” or even “What is the name of that person? How do I recognise them?” etc. are familiar to ask. Women might be experiencing brain fog, meaning a clouding memory or hindrance in thought processes, which during perimenopause is a common disorder. 

It is accounted for in the transitioning phases of hormones. Estrogen in a woman’s body is responsible for several key tasks, including cognitive functions. As that diminishes, there is a lot of memory or concentration. 

It’s completely normal, even though annoying, to find that you lack those quick-thinking skills as you once did. That could be an effect of perimenopause. One way to alleviate such problems is to simply note down what you need to do. 

7. Heart Palpitations: Is My Heart Racing?

Heart palpitations are quite apparent during perimenopause. Even in simple situations, It may be racing, or it may take a few skips. Heart-related issues, even if they had never been faced before, can come out rather commonly due to hormonal fluctuations. 

Heart palpitations are not that dangerous. It’s definitely worth your time to mention this to your doctor if you sense that your heartbeat is racing for an unknown cause. It may assist in eliminating other diseases.

8. Increased Sensitivity To Light And Sound: Is That Normal?

The lights are too bright. The noise is too loud. If you’ve noticed that your senses are more sensitive than usual, you’re not imagining it. Many women experience increased sensitivity to light and sound during the perimenopause stage. 

Bright lights, loud noises, or even crowded places can feel overwhelming and may even cause headaches or anxiety.

9. Digestive Changes: Tummy Troubles

Common stomach issues arise among women as they enter an entirely new stage of their lives. The decline in estrogen levels causes problems with the digestive system, including constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating. 

You may feel a bit of discomfort from time to time, more frequently than you are used to. Such discomfort is an all-too-frequent occurrence during perimenopause, one reason for which is the consumption of trigger food. In such cases, the incorporation of more fibre into the diet is advised. 

10. Unusual Sweating Patterns: It’s Not Just Hot Flashes

Hot flashes might be the most noted sign of perimenopause, including sweating during resting or sedentary states. To put it simply, many women in the perimenopause stage experience excessive sweating throughout the day and sometimes throughout the night. It’s another common phenomenon when oestrogen levels in the body lower suddenly. 

It’s funny and scary at the same time, don’t you think? The disturbance of sleep due to sweating in the middle of the sleep is very scary. Or how about the unrelenting urge to change clothes while the daytime is ongoing, caused by excessive sweating? 

11. Heightened Anxiety Or Panic Attacks: Why Am I So Anxious?

As if all this was not already enough, the shifting of hormones during perimenopause has also been linked to psychological issues. 

Panic attacks and sudden changes in mood can be alarming. Your hormones, such as estrogen, can have a noticeable impact. Exposure and vulnerability to environmental factors, such as stress, can also shift your mood.

Finding Relief From Weird Perimenopause Symptoms

You can handle these odd symptoms, and the first step is to understand the reason and patterns of these symptoms. There are many ways to ease the discomfort and regain a sense of control. Here’s how you can find relief:

Tip 1: Diet And Nutrition: Fueling Your Body For Balance

Food is a crucial factor in managing perimenopause. Hormones can be regulated naturally by food sources that include phytoestrogens, such as soy, flaxseeds, legumes, and many more. These compounds have estrogen-like effects, thus alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, hot flashes, and headaches.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is necessary. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will help you achieve this goal. Proper hydration is also very important, so drink water frequently during the day to keep your skin and body in a healthy state. 

Tip 2: Regular Exercise: Move For Relief

Exercise is the best way to relieve perimenopausal symptoms. Engaging in low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and yoga, will help control mood swings, fatigue, and sleep complications. 

The research concludes the positive effects of exercise on physical and psychological aspects in women with menopausal symptoms.

Strength training is also beneficial, as it helps preserve bones that tend to deteriorate during the perimenopausal stage.

Tip 3: Mindfulness And Stress Reduction: Calm Your Mind

Engaging in meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness exercises are good ways to inhibit anxiety and relieve stress. Practices like yoga can also help with issues such as mood swings and anxiety. A calm mind ensures that the body is equally calm. 

Tip 4: Medical Options: Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

If your symptoms are severe, it might be time to talk to your doctor. Treatment options like HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can be helpful in alleviating many perimenopausal symptoms. Even alternative or natural medicines offer many other comprehensive solutions. However, it is essential to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to find what’s best for you.

If the signs are paralysing you or interfering with your everyday tasks, you should get professional help.

• Dizziness, chest discomfort, or general unusual feelings are serious symptoms that require immediate attention. Never hesitate to contact a professional if the situation calls for it.
• Managing menopause alone is tedious, and if you are having abnormal and weird symptoms, it is just like rubbing salt in the wound. This is where a professional, personalised approach holds the key. 
• Seeking expert guidance and treatment options, Nirva Health offers specialised care tailored to menopause. With personalised solutions, Nirva Health helps women manage this stage with confidence and comfort, ensuring a healthier, more vibrant future.

Wrapping It Up

Abnormal symptoms accompany perimenopause, and they may feel quite weird. However, there is no need to worry as these symptoms are all part of the natural process as long as you assist yourself in understanding and managing the processes occurring in your body. Also, coping with and getting used to the alterations, everything will be far less anxiety-inducing as you go through this time period of your life. 

Whatever option works best for you, be it food substitutions, prescribed routines, or medication, go for it with proper professional guidance. You don’t have to ride this rollercoaster alone; there are solutions, and you’ll make it through just fine.