Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause: Symptoms, Hormones and Sexual Wellbeing

Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause

From as early as the late 30s, women can begin to experience signs of perimenopause and menopause. This time marks the end of the menstrual cycle, often bringing physical, cognitive and emotional changes that can affect mood, comfort and overall wellbeing.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase that occurs before menopause begins. It’s defined by a gradual decline in oestrogen and can last several years before a woman enters menopause.

For most women, perimenopause starts in their early 40s. During this decade, fertility naturally reduces as egg quality declines. While ovulation may still occur, it becomes more difficult to conceive.

For women not trying to conceive, fluctuating hormones can still have a major impact. Menstrual cycles can shorten, become irregular or occasionally heavy. Some months, a period may be missed altogether. Common symptoms include hot flushes, sleep disturbance, memory fog, low libido, and vaginal dryness.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause marks the permanent end of ovulation and menstruation. It’s officially reached when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period.

Symptoms are often similar to those experienced during perimenopause, but may continue or intensify as oestrogen and progesterone levels drop further. These hormones affect the heart, brain, bones, tissue and blood vessels, which explains the wide range of possible symptoms.

Every woman experiences menopause differently — symptoms, duration and intensity can vary widely.

Common Signs and Symptoms

During perimenopause and menopause, you may experience some or many of the following:

Night sweats and hot flushes – leaving you drenched and uncomfortable
Weight changes – particularly around the waistline
Joint pain and stiffness
Headaches or migraines
Skin changes – dryness, itching or a crawling sensation
Hair pattern changes – increased chin hair or scalp thinning
Menstrual irregularity – lighter, heavier, shorter or longer cycles with no clear pattern
Sleep disturbance or insomnia – due to hormonal shifts or night sweats
Vaginal symptoms – dryness, itching, discomfort, thrush or painful intercourse
Low libido – linked to hormonal changes, dryness, discomfort or psychological factors
Mood changes – anxiety, low mood, irritability or anger
Cognitive changes – forgetfulness, poor focus, difficulty finding words or low motivation
Urinary changes – increased frequency, urgency or recurrent infections
PMS-like symptoms – swollen breasts, painful periods, irritability or fatigue before menstruation

Emotional and Sexual Wellbeing in Perimenopause

Mood fluctuations can feel more intense during this time, and natural vaginal lubrication may decrease due to lower oestrogen levels. Many women notice changes in sexual desire or comfort during intimacy, which can impact confidence and connection.

Unlike previous generations, today’s women entering perimenopause and menopause often feel and identify younger. They seek to maintain a lifestyle, appearance and intimacy level closer to their earlier years.

As culture evolves, so does perception. Think about how The Golden Girls once portrayed women in their 50s, compared to Sex and the City: And Just Like That. Today’s perimenopausal women include the Spice Girls, supermodels, and the casts of Clueless and Empire Records — redefining what it means to age with vitality and confidence.

Supporting Comfort and Intimacy

At Ellechemy, we understand that comfort, pleasure and intimacy remain vital to women’s wellbeing at every stage of life.

Our range of doctor-designed lubricants and intimate moisturisers can help women in perimenopause and menopause reclaim sexual satisfaction, enhance libido, and provide rejuvenating hydration to restore comfort during intimacy.

Each formula is pH-balanced, condom-safe, and created to soothe dryness, nourish delicate skin, and support the natural microbiome — helping you feel confident, cared for and connected.

Shop the Ellechemy range of intimate moisturisers and lubricants.