10% off £30 OR 15% off £40

000000s
Code:OFFER
 

10% off £30 OR 15% off £40

000000s

Code:OFFER

🏷️ 3 for 2 Mix & MatchOffersOffers Hub3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceGreat SavingsBuy 1 Get 1 Free1/2 PriceBetter than 1/2 priceShort DatedIntroductory Offer3 for £3 Mix & MatchBuy 6 for £15 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDShop all CBDCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthPain ReliefCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianSt John's WortRescue RemedyAgnus CastusAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleDevil's ClawGinseng & GuaranaBlack CohoshHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & Supplements3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarWeledaNew NordicBioglanBetterYouNatures AidGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesTeaCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMaca PowderGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderFlaxseedSpirulinaChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardHoney, Jams & SpreadsBreakfast CerealsSuperfoodsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete Food3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletBuy one get one 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaHeath & HeatherPukkaGrenadeMeridianTwiningsBionaNakdManuka DoctorGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeSulphites FreeCelery FreeKiwi FreeMustard FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinWhey ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsEnergy DrinksProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersAmino Energy DrinksBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchGreat SavingsOptimum NutritionPE NutritionUSNGrenadeApplied NutritionPhDSiSFoodspringHuelYfoodDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual Wellness3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletSave up to 1/2 PriceDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandSukinMiaromaQ+AEthiqueSo EcoAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inCBDWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein Bars3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsOptimum NutritionGrenadeHolland & BarrettPulsinUSNPhDEat WaterNatures AidNew NordicSlimExpertDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inVeganHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & Relaxation3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletSave up to 1/2 PriceHolland & BarrettWeledaVitabioticsDr OrganicSolgarNaturtintOptimum NutritionNew NordicHeath & HeatherBeurerDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreeAlcohol FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeNew inShop for your WellnessWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair, Skin & NailsImmunitySleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Group of 5 women walking through a field with happy expressions

Are you in perimenopause? Signs & symptoms

31 May 2023 • 6 min read

You’ve probably heard about the menopause, but the perimenopause is the period before it and can last for up to 10 years. Technically, it’s the period just before menopause and can affect your body from head to toe, for up to 10 years. It pays to prepare for the perimenopause, so here’s what you need to know.

The difference between perimenopause and menopause

  • Menopause is the point when your periods actually stop. You’re defined as being menopausal one year after your last actual period
  • Perimenopause is the years preceding menopause, when you experience a number of hormonal and body changes, and the symptoms that occur
We have a range of supplements for both the menopause and perimenopause. 

Shop them now to better manage this unique stage of your life.

Perimenopause can begin in your early 40s, while the average age of true menopause in the UK is 51.1

Every woman goes through this hormonal upheaval but not all of us will notice its effects.

That’s because the symptoms of perimenopause are often dismissed as natural signs of ageing, or as being caused by other health issues.

If you’re uncertain if it could be menopause or perimenopause that you’re experiencing, please speak to your GP or HCP, or use this article for some extra guidance.  

What is the typical age you start perimenopause?


We've mentioned when true menopause begins on average for people in the UK, but when is the typical age you start perimenopause?

GPs here in the UK state that the average perimenopause age is 45 years old, but it can begin for some people in their 30s.2

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

There are over 30 perimenopause symptoms but some of the most common include:

While these are listed as some of the most common signs of perimenopause, we’ve explained a couple of the slightly vaguer symptoms below.  If you're concerned about any of these symptoms or changes to your body, speak to your GP or a specialist for advice tailored to your body.

Changes to periods during perimenopause

 

Breast discomfort

 

Hot flushes and night sweats

 

Changes to your mood

 

How to help reduce the symptoms of perimenopause


You can manage your perimenopause symptoms in a number of ways, but one of the most common is by directly targeting the symptoms themselves.

Here are three perimenopause remedies that have been shown to help, alongside altering your diet and lifestyle habits:

Sage

 

Black cohosh

 

Soy-based foods

 

What are the stages of perimenopause?


So, to recap on what you might experience and when, here’s an overview of the stages of perimenopause:

  • From your late thirties to forties, your cycle will still be pretty regular, although some small changes may be happening
  • During this time, your oestrogen and progesterone levels will go up and down, but generally your oestrogen levels start to decrease which throws off the balance with progesterone
  • Because these two hormones are responsible for ovulation and menstruation, as time goes on, your periods will become more and more irregular
  • Eventually, you will have your last ever period17,18

After a year has passed, you’ll be classed as being in true menopause.

The final say


Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause, and everyone’s experience of it can be different. So, we hope you’re feeling a little bit more confident about the various stages and signs of perimenopause, and whether it’s what you’re experiencing or not.

Disclaimer

 

Sources

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/
  2. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/menopause#:~:text=Perimenopause%20and%20menopause%20are%20a,although%20it%20can%20start%20earlier).
  3. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/my-periods-have-changed-is-menopause-around-the-corner
  4. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/breast-changes/understanding-breast-changes.pdf
  5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/perimenopause-rocky-road-to-menopause
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18074100/
  7. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/night-sweats
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440789/
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335177/
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783135/
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21630133
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783135/
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29619387
  14. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Fulltext/2021/10000/The_Women_s_Study_for_the_Alleviation_of_Vasomotor.12.aspx#:~:text=Conclusions%3A,sexual%20domains%20in%20postmenopausal%20women.
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5770525/
  16. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/equol-producer-status-of-us-women-influences-soy-food-effects-on-menopause-symptoms-178963111.html
  17. https://jneuroinflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12974-020-01998-9
  18.  https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal
 
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • PayPal
  • AmericanExpress
  • ApplePay
  • ClearPay
  • AliPay
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.