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HOW PERIMENOPAUSE AFFECTS YOUR EYES
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage in a woman’s reproductive life when her body begins to transition to menopause. It usually occurs in the late 40s or early 50s and can last several years. During this time, a woman’s ovaries produce less estrogen, leading to changes in menstrual cycles (with her periods stopping) and the onset of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Perimenopause is a natural part of the ageing process.
“Hot flashes are a common symptom of perimenopause, characterised by a sudden feeling of heat that spreads throughout the body. This can be accompanied by sweating, redness, and rapid heartbeat.”
Difference Between Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are two distinct stages in a woman’s reproductive life.
Perimenopause is the transition period that occurs before menopause and lasts several years. During this time, a woman’s ovaries produce less and less estrogen, leading to changes in menstrual cycles, including shorter or longer cycles, lighter or heavier bleeding, and more irregular periods. Other common symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness (see list below).
Menopause, on the other hand, is a more final stage in a woman’s reproductive life and marks the end of menstrual periods. It is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. After menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, and estrogen levels continue to decline.
At What Age Does Perimenopause Begin?
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s late 40s or 50s, although it can start earlier or later. The exact age at which a woman enters perimenopause can vary and is influenced by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions.
Some women may experience perimenopause symptoms as early as their mid-30s. In contrast, others may not start until their late 40s or early 50s. On average, perimenopause lasts about 4 years, although it can last anywhere from a few months to several years. After this stage, a woman will enter menopause, diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period.
“Eye floaters, which are small, floating spots in the field of vision, can become more noticeable during perimenopause. Hormonal changes can cause changes in the vitreous humour, the jelly-like substance in the eye, leading to the formation of floaters.”
How perimenopause affects your eyes
Decreased estrogen production during perimenopause can lead to decreased tear production and dry eyes.
Estrogen helps to regulate the production of tears by promoting the growth and maintenance of the lacrimal gland, which produces tears. As Estrogen levels decline during perimenopause, the lacrimal gland may become less efficient at producing tears, leading to dry eyes.
In addition to decreased tear production, changes in tear quality can also occur during perimenopause. Estrogen helps maintain the tears' quality by stabilising the tear film and preventing rapid evaporation. With decreased Estrogen levels, the tear film may become unstable and break up more easily, leading to dry spots on the eye's surface.
Other hormonal changes during perimenopause can also affect tear production. For example, changes in the balance of other hormones, such as androgens, can lead to decreased production of oils from the meibomian glands, contributing to dry eyes.
Preventative and ongoing lubrication with drops and sprays can help manage dry eyes.
Itchy and sore eyes during perimenopause can result from hormonal changes and dry eyes. As the body produces less estrogen during perimenopause, the tear glands can produce fewer tears, leading to dry eyes. This can cause the eyes to become itchy and sore, as the lack of moisture can cause irritation and inflammation. Additionally, hormonal changes during perimenopause can also increase the sensitivity of the eyes to irritants, such as wind, smoke, and dust, which can also cause itching and soreness.
During perimenopause, a woman’s body produces less estrogen, which can affect the production of tears, leading to dry and watery eyes. This is because estrogen helps regulate the production of tears, and a decrease in estrogen levels can cause the tear glands to produce fewer tears. The decreased tear production can cause the eyes to become dry, irritated, and prone to watering. Additionally, perimenopause’s hormonal changes can increase sensitivity to irritants, such as wind, smoke, and allergies, which can also cause watery eyes.
Eye floaters, which are small, floating spots in the field of vision, can become more noticeable during perimenopause. Hormonal changes can cause changes in the vitreous humour, the jelly-like substance in the eye, leading to the formation of floaters.
Some women may experience increased light sensitivity during perimenopause. This can be due to hormonal changes or other factors, such as migraines, which are more common during this time.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to temporary blurred vision.
What Causes Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is caused by a decline in the body’s production of estrogen and other hormones. This decline is a natural part of ageing and occurs as the ovaries prepare to stop producing eggs. As the ovaries eventually stop making eggs, the body enters menopause, marking the end of reproductive ability. During perimenopause, the ovaries produce less and less estrogen, leading to fluctuations in hormone levels. This hormone production decline can cause various physical and emotional symptoms.
Additionally, other factors can contribute to the onset of perimenopause, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. It can also be caused by medical conditions such as premature ovarian failure or Turner syndrome. These conditions can cause the early onset of perimenopause and a more rapid decline in hormone production.
What are the First Signs of Perimenopause?
Symptoms can occur gradually or suddenly. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: including shorter or longer cycles, lighter or heavier bleeding, and more frequent or infrequent periods.
- Hot flashes: a common symptom of perimenopause and can cause a sudden feeling of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
- Night sweats: Some women may experience night sweats during perimenopause, similar to hot flashes but occur during sleep.
- Mood swings: including irritability, anxiety, and depression.
- Vaginal dryness: leading to discomfort and pain during sexual activity.
- Fatigue: Fatigue and low energy levels are common during perimenopause and can be related to sleep disturbances or hormonal changes.
“Increased light sensitivity during perimenopause can be due to hormonal changes or other factors, such as migraines, which are more common during this period.”
What are the Symptoms of Perimenopause?
One of the first signs of perimenopause is irregular menstrual cycles. Women may experience lighter or heavier bleeding, or their periods may become more or less frequent.
Hot flashes are a common symptom of perimenopause, characterised by a sudden feeling of heat that spreads throughout the body. This can be accompanied by sweating, redness, and rapid heartbeat.
Like hot flashes, night sweats cause a sudden feeling of heat and sweating, often disrupting sleep.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause fluctuations in mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Perimenopause can cause trouble sleeping, including insomnia and restless sleep. This can lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels.
Estrogen plays a role in maintaining vaginal health, so a decline in estrogen levels during perimenopause can cause vaginal dryness. This can lead to discomfort during sexual activity and an increased risk of vaginal infections.
Perimenopause can also cause a decrease in sexual desire or libido. This can be due to physical and emotional symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and mood swings.
During perimenopause, some women may experience more frequent and severe headaches and migraines. The exact relationship between perimenopause and migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed that the decrease in oestrogen levels may affect the brain's chemical balance and make it more susceptible to migraines.
Perimenopause can cause weight gain, especially around the abdominal area. This weight gain is often due to hormonal changes and increased body fat.
Decreased hormone levels and trouble sleeping can cause fatigue and reduced energy levels during perimenopause.
Some women may experience joint pain and stiffness during perimenopause, which can be due to hormonal changes and increased inflammation.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause memory problems, including difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness.
Bloating: Perimenopause can cause bloating and water retention, especially around the abdominal area.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause breast tenderness and swelling.
Perimenopause can cause acne outbreaks due to hormonal changes and increased oil production.
Declining hormone levels during perimenopause can weaken the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, leading to urinary incontinence.
Decreased hormone production during perimenopause can cause dry skin and an increased risk of skin infections.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause hair loss, especially around the hairline and crown.
Perimenopause can affect the eyes, including dry eyes, eye floaters, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and more. Read section above.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can cause muscle cramps, especially in the legs.
Perimenopause can cause bloating and water retention, especially around the abdominal area.
Symptoms can vary in severity and duration, and not all women will experience all of them.
Why does Perimenopause Cause Weight Gain?
Weight gain is a common symptom of perimenopause due to declining estrogen levels, which can cause changes in metabolism and fat storage, leading to increased body fat around the abdominal area. Other factors, such as decreased physical activity, diet changes, and stress, can also contribute to weight gain.
This weight gain can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Maintaining a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is important as engaging in regular physical activity, such as strength training and cardio, to manage weight gain.
Treat & manage Perimenopause Symptoms
The best treatment for perimenopause symptoms will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the symptoms. Hormone therapy is often recommended to help regulate hormone levels and relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress management, can also help to relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and sleep aids, can also relieve specific symptoms.
Hormone therapy can help regulate hormone levels and relieve hot flashes. Over-the-counter medications, such as non-hormonal options like black cohosh, can reduce hot flashes. Lifestyle changes, such as staying cool, dressing in layers, and avoiding triggers such as alcohol and spicy foods, can also help manage hot flashes.
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