- By Iram Hussain
- Sun, 04 May 2025 03:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Perimenopause Meaning: After courageously battling myositis, a chronic autoimmune disorder, Samantha Ruth Prabhu has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. Her personal health struggles have inspired her to launch 'Take 20,"' a health-focused podcast aimed at providing accessible and insightful conversations with healthcare professionals. Recognising the importance of normalizing discussions around sensitive health topics, Samantha recently collaborated with Rashi Chowdhary, a renowned nutritionist from Nutrition in Sync. Together, they sparked a candid conversation about menstrual health, shedding light on often-stigmatised issues. Samantha talked about perimenopause, a less-discussed topic. It is a phase that leads up to menopause.
“We go through changes while we don’t know what is really happening inside our bodies, and no one is really talking about it. Perimenopause is such a new term. Sudden weight gain, fluctuations, being wired but exhausted, sleep disturbance and so many symptoms that you don't know where just suddenly come from" “Perimenopause is not some kind of disease or disorder. It’s the most natural phase that each one of us is going to go through," Samantha said.
Talking about it, the nutritionist said, it's the most unpredictable phase where the hormones are erratic, wild and chaotic. An Indian woman who is above 35, chances are you are in perimenopause. It's a natural transition phase.
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What Is Perimenopause?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, perimenopause marks the beginning of a woman's transition to menopause, characterised by a decline in hormone production by the ovaries. This hormonal shift leads to irregular and unpredictable menstrual cycles, signalling the end of reproductive years. Although a natural phase of life, perimenopause brings physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly impact daily life and comfort.
Symptoms
- Irregular periods or skipping periods.
- Heavy or light periods
- Mood swings
- Hot Flashes
- Night Sweats
- Vaginal Dryness
- Urinary urgency (needing to pee more frequently).
- Sleep problems
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause are primarily driven by declining estrogen levels. Estrogen, produced by the ovaries plays a crucial role in maintaining reproductive health. As estrogen decreases, it disrupts the delicate balance with progesterone, another hormone produced by the ovaries. During perimenopause, hormone levels often fluctuate wildly, causing unpredictable symptoms. Eventually, estrogen levels drop so low that ovulation ceases, marking the onset of menopause.
