How I Navigated the Night Sweats and More: My Perimenopause Journey

Let me share with you my journey navigating menopause and its lingering effects.

Everything kicked off when I hit 42. Over the span of three months, I faced relentless 'hot episodes', particularly during nighttime, leaving me utterly drained. Even though my periods remained consistent – which I naively thought would be my sign of entering perimenopause – I overlooked the connection. Convinced it might be some lingering virus, I consulted my doctor. Her response, though candid, was quite blunt: a prolonged three-month virus was unlikely. She recommended an FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) blood test, revealing elevated levels. Her verdict? I was in the midst of perimenopause. Yet, her quip that I was "rather young for this stage" left me desolate. I left the clinic, feeling very low and almost tearful, and feeling prematurely aged. Thankfully, a deep dive into some research reassured me that beginning this transition at my age was indeed within the norm.

That marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey. My existing struggle with sleep was further exacerbated by the relentless night sweats. On countless nights, drenched in sweat, I'd cast aside the sheets, searching for a cold flannel to soothe my forehead, while the air conditioner hummed at a chilly 20C. As I sought relief, my husband wrapped himself in extra blankets, quipping that our bedroom resembled the Arctic. Those restless nights inevitably led to groggy mornings, making my routine as a Relocation Consultant especially demanding. Beyond the early starts, I faced the challenge of meeting clients, navigating the city, dealing with erratic drivers, all while maintaining a friendly, professional demeanour on sheer willpower and caffeine.

Many mornings, I'd wake up, feeling tearful, contemplating how I'd get through the day ahead. The sheer exhaustion was frequently nauseating. Summers, marked by sweltering villas devoid of air conditioning, were particularly gruelling. A strategy I adopted was mentally segmenting my day, breaking it into manageable chunks, and focusing on one segment at a time. Sleep deprivation, left me grappling with recurring nausea, frequent headaches, a sense of impending gloom, and episodes of anxiety. Sometimes my brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders and it was easy to forget things and feel dis-organised. Over-the-counter natural sleep aids brought little respite and instead triggered unsettling nightmares. The dark circles under my eyes became a constant, often leaving me feeling self-conscious. The struggle with sleep was the biggest battle for me and continues to this day. I do now have a sleep routine that works for me, however it’s not always achievable on a daily basis. For me it’s a foregone conclusion that anything out of that routine is a recipe for a night of short, fitful sleep. So I try to plan accordingly.

Over time, I began noticing patterns. Certain foods like pasta and red meat seemed to amplify my night sweats. An overheard conversation, whilst I was in a Nail Bar, hinted at alcohol's role, particularly for one woman, gin & tonic. My tip for fellow sufferers: consider maintaining a brief food diary to identify potential triggers. It may seem tedious, especially when trying to meet many other responsibilities, but it's truly beneficial.

An unexpected challenge that emerged alongside perimenopause was Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease. It's this overwhelming urge to move your legs, spurred by peculiar sensations. Descriptions vary from 'crawling' to 'aching' to even 'electric'. My personal description? It feels like an icy burn. Over time, I've discerned that antihistamines can exacerbate it, as can stress, fatigue, or excessive alcohol. I still grapple with RLS, but it's somewhat more manageable now.

Looking back, I believe I navigated perimenopause relatively smoothly, despite the harrowing night sweats and RLS. I was spared from many other potential symptoms, like daytime hot flushes, which I know can be quite challenging. That said, postmenopause brought its own set of challenges, from gut issues to dry eyes to diminishing skin elasticity, stemming from reduced oestrogen.

I was fortunate to have the support of my husband and a close friend to confide in. While there were certainly some challenging times, it's essential to remember that these feelings often stem from our body and hormones undergoing a natural process. We can do our best to manage the symptoms, but we shouldn't blame ourselves for them.

One thing to note is that when we experience poor sleep, be it due to night sweats, RLS, or other disturbances, it's not just us who suffer. Our sleeping partners can also be affected, leading to their sleep being disrupted. As a result, they might exhibit symptoms of sleep deprivation, which could include a shorter temper. So if you are both sleep deprived and short tempered, as you can imagine, there could be clashes. Try to find a way to recognise this and find ways to work with it or around it.

Navigating the path of perimenopause and menopause can often feel overwhelming and isolating. There is a tendency to think no-one will understand. Remember, there's no need to face this journey alone. As a Health & Wellness Coach, I've spent literally years personally experiencing the challenges and triumphs of this phase and studying the transition to where I am now. Whether you're seeking guidance, a listening ear, or strategies tailored to your unique needs, I'm here to help. Don't hesitate to reach out.