Your guide through the menopause

Many women notice changes in their bodies during (peri)menopause. You might gain weight, or notice a fuller waistline. Sometimes it feels like it comes "out of nowhere," even if your lifestyle remains more or less the same. That can be frustrating... and it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

One moment you're feeling great, and the next you're feeling irritable, sad, or stressed. Entering (peri)menopause mood swings often occurs, together with restlessness or a lower mood.

Libido can change during (peri)menopause. In some women it decreases. In others it remains the same. And there are also women who have an increased desire for sex. There's no "normal" that applies to everyone. It's about what feels right for you.

Have you noticed your hair thinning, your parting looking wider, or losing noticeably more hair in the shower or brushing your hair? Hair loss or thinning is more common during (peri)menopause. It can start subtly, but it can be quite emotionally devastating.

Bloating can feel like your abdomen is tight, full, or distended. Sometimes it's accompanied by gas, rumbling bowels, or abdominal pain. Many women notice this recurring during (peri)menopause, especially after eating or on stressful days.

Bone density loss (also known as osteoporosis) is a decrease in bone strength. It's usually not immediately noticeable. It often only becomes apparent after a fracture, sometimes even a minor fall. The risk increases after menopause because estrogen protection diminishes and bone loss can accelerate.

Unable to fall asleep. Waking up in the middle of the night. Or waking up far too early and then just lying there worrying. Sleep problems during (peri)menopause can take various forms, and they often leave a mark on your day: less energy, feeling overstimulated more easily, and feeling more emotional.

Do you wake up with clammy sheets or a wet T-shirt? Night sweats and sudden sweating can occur during (peri)menopause. It often feels like your body is suddenly "too hot." This can interrupt your sleep, affecting your energy and mood.

Heart palpitations can feel like a pounding, rapid, or irregular heartbeat: as if you've just sprinted while you're simply sitting still. This occurs in many women during (peri)menopause and is often associated with hot flashes and night sweats.

More headaches than before? Or migraines that occur more frequently? During (peri)menopause, many women experience a change in their headaches: new, more frequent, or more severe. This is often related to hormonal fluctuations, sleep, and stress.

Do you often feel tired, listless or empty, even after a night's sleep? Many women experience this during (peri)menopause. fatigue and little energy. This is usually due to a mix of hormonal fluctuations and everything they trigger: poorer sleep, more stress, more mental strain.

Anxiety symptoms during perimenopause and menopause can be linked to fluctuating and declining hormone levels, which in turn can affect your “stress and calming system” in the brain.

"Brain Fog" during perimenopause and menopause may be related to hormonal changes

Joint and muscle pain is a common, but lesser-known, symptom of menopause. It manifests as a nagging, stiff, and crunchy feeling, sometimes even with a slight burning sensation.

Joint and muscle pain is a common but lesser-known symptom of menopause. It presents as an aching, stiff, and creaky feeling, sometimes even with a mild burning sensation.

Joint and muscle pain is a common, but lesser-known, symptom of menopause. It manifests as a nagging, stiff, and crunchy feeling, sometimes even with a slight burning sensation.

Joint and muscle pain is a common but lesser-known symptom of menopause. It presents as an aching, stiff, and creaky feeling, sometimes even with a mild burning sensation.