What is the perimenopause?
The Standard – May 2025
With Katie Price stating that she may be experiencing “early menopause” Dr Elise Dallas contributes to an article looking at perimenopause, it’s symptoms and possible treatments.
Dr Elise Dallas, women’s health GP at The London General Practice, Harley Street is a specialist in menopausal care, focusing not only on hormones but on optimising wellbeing and preventing chronic diseases that appear during this time.
Perimenopause often begins in the 40s and lasts up to 10 years. Menopause is considered to be when someone has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause and often begins in a person’s 40s (sometimes earlier) and can last between seven and 10 years.
Perimenopause symptoms can include:
- Irregular periods
- Headaches
- Mood changes such as depression, anxiety
- Hot flushes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain and changed body shape
- Muscle aches
- Palpitations
- Skin changes (eg dry and itchy skin)
- Sensitive teeth and painful gums
- Urinary tract infections
- Vaginal dryness
If you concerned that you may be experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and would like to book an appointment with one of our private London doctors please get in touch with us here.