GP shares plea over health issue she hears ‘every single day’ from women in their 30s and 40s – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Women in their late 30s and early 40s often arrive at clinics describing a sense of unraveling, yet many leave without answers. Dr. Punam Krishan, an NHS general practitioner from Glasgow, highlighted this pattern during a recent BBC Morning Live segment. She encounters the issue daily and emphasized its reality amid growing awareness of hormonal changes.[1][2]
Understanding Perimenopause as a Transition Phase
Perimenopause marks the years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate significantly. Ovaries produce fewer eggs during this time, but periods typically continue irregularly until they cease for 12 consecutive months. The phase can last from several months to over a decade, often catching women off guard.[1]
Dr. Krishan noted that this process frequently starts in the late 30s or early 40s, even when menstrual cycles remain regular. Patients in her practice report subtle shifts that build over time, prompting questions about their well-being. Medical bodies like the NHS and Bupa describe it as a natural internal adjustment rather than a disease.[2]
Symptoms That Mimic Mental Strain
Many women describe feeling as though they are “losing their mind,” a phrase Dr. Krishan hears every day in her clinic. On one recent day alone, three patients voiced this exact concern. “If you are a woman in your late 30s or 40s and you feel like you’re losing your mind, you’re absolutely not,” she stated. “You’re not making it up… so, let’s talk about it.”[1]
Cognitive and emotional effects dominate these accounts. Brain fog disrupts concentration, leading to forgotten tasks or mid-sentence lapses. Anxiety surges unexpectedly, alongside low mood or bursts of rage. Sleep patterns fracture, with many waking at 3 a.m. feeling wired yet profoundly fatigued.[3]
Physical Signs Often Overlooked
Beyond mental symptoms, physical changes compound the experience. Joints ache persistently, and a deep fatigue settles into the bones. Hot flushes may appear sporadically, while other issues like palpitations or headaches emerge. The NHS outlines additional common manifestations in a structured list:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle and joint pains
- Headaches or migraines
- Weight gain
- Skin changes
- Reduced sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Sensitive teeth and gums
These vary widely; some improve while others, such as joint discomfort, linger post-menopause. Dr. Krishan stressed that early recognition prevents escalation.[2]
Why Dismissal Persists and Its Impact
Professionals and patients alike frequently attribute these signs to stress, burnout, or depression. Blood tests often return normal, reinforcing doubts. Women internalize this as personal failure, straining relationships, work, and self-confidence. Dr. Krishan expressed frustration over disregarded cases, noting hormonal shifts affect every facet of life.[1]
In her own journey at age 42, as a mother and GP, she relates directly to the “wobbles.” Clinic visits reveal fears of dementia among late-30s patients, stemming from forgetfulness amid sleep loss and cortisol spikes. This misattribution delays relief, yet awareness is shifting through public discussions.[3]
What matters now: Perimenopause demands validation, not dismissal. Early conversations with healthcare providers can unlock tailored support before symptoms intensify.
Practical Steps Toward Relief
Dr. Krishan urged booking GP appointments without delay. Nurses or pharmacists offer initial guidance on options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or lifestyle adjustments. Not every case suits HRT, but alternatives exist, including exercise to bolster sleep and reduce anxiety.[4]
Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and adopting relaxation practices like yoga provide foundational aid. Acknowledging the phase fosters self-compassion, easing the emotional load. Symptoms evolve, but proactive management helps many regain equilibrium during this transition.[2]
As hormonal landscapes stabilize, women emerge with renewed perspective. Dr. Krishan’s message underscores a collective experience: support awaits those ready to seek it.
