Women often mistake perimenopause symptoms for stress

Research indicates that many women experiencing perimenopause and menopause frequently misattribute physical and cognitive symptoms to everyday stress. A study commissioned by Uma Health and conducted by iVOX found that one-third of women surveyed initially mistook symptoms such as anxiety, heart palpitations, and concentration difficulties for stress rather than hormonal changes.

Perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause, involves significant hormonal shifts, including a decline in progesterone and estrogen and a rise in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These biological changes can trigger unexpected anxiety, even in individuals who do not typically experience such symptoms. Reported experiences include nighttime anxiety, insomnia, and morning anxiety characterized by a sense of dread.

Medical experts note that while these symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming, they are often manageable through therapy or medication. The transition is defined by the permanent cessation of ovarian follicular activity and the menstrual cycle, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.