Perimenopause: a word that often strikes fear into the heart of any woman, especially for those not yet on this journey. I’m sure you are aware of the most common symptoms that you’ve begun this hormonal roller coaster: hot flushes, night sweats and sleep issues are the most common ones we hear about. But did you know there are less obvious symptoms?
In hindsight, I know I started perimenopause at the age of 41. So for me, I’ve been on this road for a few years already. I’m sharing this information based on my own experience but also what on the research says. Each woman experiences perimenopause differently, but that’s why it’s good to hear about these differences, so that, when it happens to you, you’ll know what to look out for.
Dry skin
I’ve always had dry skin, but this took on a whole new meaning. Lathering body cream on daily became necessary. I also started drinking more water to try curb the dry skin.
Why do we get dry skin? Estrogen normally helps the skin maintain moisture by stimulating collagen and elastin production (which keep skin plump and firm). As estrogen declines in perimenopause, all of these processes slow down, leaving skin thinner, less elastic, and drier.
Fun fact: those with fast COMT tend to experience this even more as their estrogen levels are much lower.
Itchy skin
With dry skin often comes itchy skin. I have spent years with recurring itch especially on my stomach. No rash, no dermatitis, no eczema. There is nothing there, it’s just itches for days then goes away. Only to return again. Why does the skin itch?
Again, it comes down to less estrogen. Estrogen boosts sebum (oil) which keeps the skin plump. With less estrogen, the skin barrier loses moisture, and dries out. Dry skin is more prone to itchiness and irritation. Reduced collagen and elastin make skin thinner and less resilient. Estrogen also has a role in modulating nerve signals. When levels drop, nerves may fire more erratically, causing sensations like itching, crawling, or tingling (sometimes called formication).
What helps?
- Keeping your skin moisturized
- avoiding hot showers (opt for like warm water or better yet, end your shower with a blast of cold water!).
- Staying hydrated
- wearing breathable clothes like cotton and linen.
- switching to more natural ingredients in your body care products.
- using a natural bath oil helps a lot to lock moisture in before bed.
The itching drove me crazy for years, until it went away completely after introducing chasteberry and wild yam. (or natural progesterone cream)
FB (Fibrocystic Breasts)
FB is a painful condition. It is often confused with breast pain associated with PMS symptoms. While this condition is associated with monthly hormonal changes, it differs from the breast pain that often occurs during the luteal phase. It often causes lumpy tissue in the breasts that can sometimes be filled with fluid called cysts that can get quite large (think golf ball size) that sometimes need drainage by means of a fine needle aspiration. These cysts can last for days or even weeks. I was diagnosed with this in my early twenties and have had to have this done from time to time. Some clinical studies have shown a significant decrease in breast pain and tenderness in women with fibrocystic breast after treatment with chasteberry extracts [source] I can attest to this! When I take chasteberry, I no longer get these painful cysts.
What can help?
Chastberry (vitex agnus-castus)
Chasteberry is a fruit of a shurb long used in herbal medicine, especially for women’s reproductive and hormonal health.It can be in capsule, tincture or tea form.
Chasteberry influences the pituitary gland and helps balance estrogen and progesterone. It can raise progesterone indirectly by supporting luteinizing hormone (LH). By smoothing out hormone swings, it may reduce skin reactivity, dryness, and itch. [source]
Interestingly, it is also fantastic for women with PMDD (PMS that is often more severe in women with ADHD) as it influences dopamine activity. [source]. The release of prolactin (a hormone) from the pituitary gland is normally controlled by dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that keeps prolactin levels down. Just before a period (in the late luteal phase), dopamine’s control is a bit weaker, which can cause prolactin levels to rise slightly.
Higher prolactin levels have been linked to breast pain and some PMS symptoms. Studies have shown that dopamine agonists like, bromocriptine has been shown to lower prolactin levels and reduce breast pain , as well as FB.
Progesterone support
Perimenopause isn’t just about low estrogen — it’s about fluctuating hormones. Sometimes estrogen is high, sometimes low, often in relation to lower progesterone. Adding progesterone (or progesterone-supporting herbs like Vitex) can restore a more stable balance, which may calm symptoms that don’t respond well to estrogen alone.
A word of Caution
While I am all for natural products as far as possible, this does not mean that everybody will benefit or react in the same way. The way we each respond to different supplements or substances is tied into our metabolic health, biological health, hormonal health, genetics and much more. I have had clients inform me of their individual response to things like chasteberry and progesterone. Therefore, one should always approach these things with caution and having done your own research. I also suggest that one never stacks supplements or products. It is always better to use one product at a time for a few weeks and to keep a written record of when you start, as well as any symptoms and changes you experience, good or bad. This can help determine if a new reaction (whether good or bad ) correlates to the product.
Of course these 3 symptoms or signs can be attributed to many things and needs to taken into context. You can consult your medical practitioner or see an Endocrinologist or gynecologist.
Looking for hormonal support?
knowing your hormonal genetics can give you a lot of insight into how best to support your hormonal health. It can provide actionable steps to take with diet, lifestyle and environment as well as to know how best to support it through supplements or nutrients. I recommend the DNA hormone test. This genetic test can be ordered through me and you will receive a personalized feedback report. Contact me for more information.