8 Warning Signs of Premenopause You Aren’t Aware Of

Jun 05, 2018

Although frequently missed periods and hot flashes are two of the most important signs that you’re heading towards menopause, many other symptoms will alert you to this transition as well. These signals from your body are little-known but can be very important to look out for. 

As you age, the hair from your head might thin out, but in the meantime, you may sprout some unwelcome stray hairs on your face, such as your chin, cheek area, or upper lip. Your changing hormone levels cause this unwanted hair because you are losing both estrogen and androgen. Estrogen drops more rapidly than androgen, which tends to decrease slowly over time. 

The decrease of estrogen in your body also causes your hypothalamus gland to become confused and believe you might be overheating. This might cause you to develop body odor as a result of the excessive sweat your body creates to regulate your body temperature. 

When estrogen levels decrease in your body, you will also lose some bone density. In your first 5 years of menopause, you can experience up to a 20% bone density loss which can cause both osteoporosis and noticeable thinning of the bones. 

If you’ve experienced vaginal childbirth, you may already have pelvic muscles that are weaker as a result. This, combined with the lower estrogen levels of premenopause can cause higher urges for urination, or SUI, stress urinary incontinence. 

All of the adjustments your hormones are putting your body through can cause high levels of stress, trouble sleeping and other sleep issues. These problems can cause your mind to lose focus and alertness and even link to forgetfulness. 

When you’re going through premenopause, your levels of progesterone also drop. This hormone is known to be one that calms you, so losing it can impact your anxiety levels, causing them to rise and could potentially mean that you develop insomnia as a result of your worries. 

You may not be aware that our immune system and our hormones work hand in hand together. Those who are experiencing the start of menopause are more likely to develop more severe responses to their existing allergies, or entirely new allergens can arise. When your hormone levels are dropping, the immune system becomes weaker, causing this phenomenon.

Not only do hormones work together with your immune system, but they also help body processes that regulate your vision, causing potential changes in eyesight during this time. You can even develop such severe changes that your vision goes from far-sightedness to near-sightedness! 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!

Although the most recognized symptoms of premenopausal behavior are hot flashes and missed periods, there are many other unusual signs that your body will showcase during this time. It’s important that all women be aware of the less recognized symptoms to help their transition run more smoothly. Which symptom do you find the most unexpected?