Have you noticed that your periods are changing, your sleep is becoming more disrupted or you’re feeling more anxious than usual?
Perhaps you’re struggling with brain fog, feeling unusually tired or finding it harder to manage your usual daily routine.
You might be wondering whether these changes are simply part of getting older, the result of a busy lifestyle, or something else entirely.
For many women, these experiences can be signs of perimenopause. I started experiencing some of these symptoms 15 years ago in my early 40’s (such as headaches and fatigue before my period) and had no idea that is was beginning perimenopause until my homeopath pointed it out to me.
Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause, when hormonal changes can affect your menstrual cycle, mood, sleep and general wellbeing.
As a homeopath, I understand that every woman’s experience of this transition is different. Two women may experience similar symptoms but have very different experiences of how those symptoms affect their daily lives.
In this article, I’ll explore 10 common signs of perimenopause, along with some of the homeopathic remedies traditionally considered for these symptoms.
Its also worth noting that in my experience addressing perimenopause symptoms with homeopathy leads to a much easier menopause transition.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the period during which your body transitions towards menopause.
Hormone levels fluctuate during this time, and your menstrual cycle may become less predictable. You might notice changes in your sleep, mood, concentration, energy levels or physical comfort.
Perimenopause often begins in your 40s, although it can start earlier. Some women experience symptoms for several years before their final menstrual period.
Menopause is reached when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, provided there is no other explanation.
Not every woman experiences all the symptoms described below. Some women have relatively few symptoms, while others find that the changes have a significant impact on their everyday lives.
10 signs of perimenopause you might not recognise
1. Changes in your menstrual cycle
One of the earliest signs of perimenopause is often a change in your periods.
You might notice that your cycle is becoming shorter or longer, your periods are heavier or lighter, or your usual pattern has become unpredictable.
Some women find that their periods become more irregular before they begin to skip them altogether.
Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
Lachesis is a remedy traditionally associated in homeopathic practice with symptoms that appear or change around the time of menopause, particularly when there are changes in the menstrual cycle.
Sepia is another remedy often considered when menstrual changes occur alongside feelings of tiredness, irritability (especially towards their husband or children) or feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities.
The choice of remedy in homeopathic practice is based on the individual’s overall experience, rather than the menstrual symptom alone.
2. Difficulty sleeping
Are you waking during the night, struggling to fall asleep or finding yourself wide awake in the early hours of the morning?
Sleep disturbances are common during perimenopause.
Some women experience night sweats or hot flushes that interrupt their sleep. Others find that they are waking more frequently without an obvious reason.
Poor sleep can leave you feeling exhausted during the day, making it harder to concentrate and manage work or everyday activities.
Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
Coffea cruda is traditionally considered in homeopathic practice when a person experiences difficulty sleeping alongside a feeling of mental alertness or racing thoughts.
A homeopathic consultation would explore the nature of your sleep difficulties, including whether you struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently or the average time of waking and for how long you tend to be awake.
3. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Brain fog is a term many women use to describe feeling mentally less sharp than usual.
You might find yourself:
- Forgetting familiar words or names.
- Losing your train of thought during conversations.
- Struggling to concentrate on tasks.
- Feeling less confident when making decisions.
Some women notice these changes during perimenopause, particularly when they are also experiencing poor sleep or anxiety.
These experiences can be frustrating, especially if you have always been someone who feels mentally sharp and organised.
Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
Kali phosphoricum is another remedy traditionally considered when mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion are prominent.
4. Anxiety or changes in your mood
You might find yourself feeling more anxious, irritable or emotionally sensitive than usual.
Perhaps things that you would previously have taken in your stride now feel overwhelming. Or you may experience a sense of unease without being able to identify a particular cause.
Some women notice that their mood changes are closely connected to their menstrual cycle, while others experience them more unpredictably.
Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
Pulsatilla is traditionally associated with emotional sensitivity and a need for reassurance or support.
Sepia is often considered in homeopathic practice when a woman describes feeling emotionally overwhelmed, irritable or disconnected from her usual sense of self.
5. Hot flushes and night sweats
Hot flushes are among the best-known symptoms of perimenopause, but they can sometimes be subtle or unexpected.
You might experience a sudden feeling of warmth, particularly around your face, neck and chest, sometimes accompanied by sweating, a racing heart or a flushed appearance.
Hot flushes usually vary in frequency and intensity, but can be prominent at night or triggered by the slightest stress on the nervous system.
Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
Lachesis is traditionally associated in homeopathic practice with hot flushes, particularly when they are accompanied by feelings of heat, restlessness or changes in the menstrual cycle.
Sulphur is another remedy to consider when a person experiences a pronounced sensation of heat, particularly at night.
Sanguinaria is also associated with flushing and heat sensations, especially when these are prominent around the face.
6. Headaches and migraines
Have you noticed that you are experiencing more headaches than usual, or that your usual headaches seem to have changed?
Some women find that headaches or migraines become more frequent during perimenopause. You might notice a connection with your menstrual cycle, changes in sleep or periods of increased stress.
Hormonal fluctuations can play a role in some headaches, particularly menstrual migraines.
Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
Sanguinaria for when headaches are described as beginning in the back of the head and moving towards the forehead or right side.
Glonoinum is associated with throbbing or pounding headaches, particularly when accompanied by a sensation of heat or fullness in the head.
7. Vaginal dryness or discomfort
As oestrogen levels change, some women experience changes in the tissues of the vagina and vulva.
You might notice:
- Vaginal dryness or irritation.
- Discomfort during sex.
- A burning or uncomfortable sensation.
- Changes in urinary symptoms, such as needing to pass urine more frequently.
These symptoms can develop during perimenopause and may continue after menopause.
Homeopathic remedies to consider
Sepia is traditionally associated in homeopathic practice with some of the symptoms women describe during the menopausal transition, including changes in sexual wellbeing.
8. Joint aches and muscle discomfort
Some women experience new or worsening aches and stiffness during perimenopause.
You might notice that your joints feel uncomfortable in the morning or that you are experiencing muscle aches without an obvious explanation.
Joint and muscle discomfort can have many causes, including changes in activity, stress, sleep and other health conditions.
Homeopathic remedies include
Rhus toxicodendron is traditionally associated in homeopathic practice with stiffness and discomfort that may improve with movement.
Bryonia is for when discomfort is described as worse with movement and better with rest.
9. Changes in your skin and hair
You may notice that your skin feels drier than usual or that your hair seems different.
Some women experience changes in skin texture, hair thickness or hair growth during perimenopause.
Oestrogen plays a role in maintaining skin health, but changes in skin and hair can also be influenced by genetics, ageing, nutrition and other medical conditions.
Homeopathic remedies traditionally considered
Graphites is associated with certain skin complaints, particularly when dryness and irritation are prominent.
Sepia is another remedy traditionally considered in the context of women’s health during the menopausal transition.
The choice of remedy would depend on the individual pattern of symptoms, rather than simply the presence of dry skin or hair changes.
10. Changes in your energy levels
Feeling unusually tired or lacking your usual energy can be another frustrating experience during perimenopause.
You might find that activities you previously managed easily now leave you feeling exhausted. Or you might find that you are feeling particularly tired on the days leading up to your period.
Homeopathic remedies to consider
Ferrum for low energy and sleepiness before the period.
Kali phos is another remedy to think about for when mental and physical exhaustion are prominent.
In a homeopathic consultation, I would explore how your energy levels have changed, what makes your tiredness better or worse and what are your current worst times of day.
How do I know if my symptoms are perimenopause?
There is no single symptom that confirms perimenopause.
Your age, menstrual history and the combination of symptoms you are experiencing can help indicate whether you are going through the menopausal transition.
Keeping a simple record of your periods, symptoms, sleep and mood can also help you recognise patterns and explain your experiences during an appointment.
How can homeopathy fit into your perimenopause journey?
Perimenopause is a personal experience, and the symptoms you notice may be very different from those experienced by another woman.
In my homeopathic practice, I take time to understand the individual behind the symptoms.
This includes exploring your general wellbeing, emotional experience, sleep, energy levels and the ways in which your symptoms affect your daily life.
Homeopathy is based on the principle of individualised remedy selection. There are many remedies associated with the above symptoms and the ones listed here are just a snapshot of what remedy might be the most appropriate.
Feeling more like yourself during perimenopause
If you would like to explore how homeopathy can help I offer a free 15 minute discovery call via Zoom to discuss your health concerns and find out if my approach is right for you. Book now: https://melissaforeman.co.uk/book-now/