Did you know that when you go through perimenopause, you end up spending more time in the phase of your cycle that is attributed to PMS or PMDD? This is called the luteal phase. For me, I feel a little bit more fatigued, a little bit more irritable, my skin changes a little bit. But guess what? Life has got to go on. So being aware of it is the first step. Get to know your cycle and how you feel symptom-wise along it. Keep in mind when these feelings might occur so that you can plan in self-care like extra rest, exercise, a massage, etc. and help yourself through the hormonal fluctuations.
If you are someone who has had severe PMS or PMDD and it’s getting worse as you go through perimenopause, consider talking to your healthcare provider about starting menopausal hormone therapy or an antidepressant. There’s good evidence that either one (or both) can improve your quality of life.
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About the Author
Dr. Rachel Pope is a board-certified gynecologist, the chief of a female Sexual Health division in a Urology Department, and the founder of Our Womanity. She created Our Womanity to shed light on the subjects people don't talk about, reduce the stigma, and empower women to understand their own health.