TV host and actor Mini Mathur, who has been quite vocal about her health and fitness journey, recently opened up about her struggles during perimenopause, which led her to study and get certified as a women’s health coach. “I couldn’t sleep from 3-5 am every morning. And that would make me very fatigued. That fatigue would lead to some amount of brain fog where I wasn’t clear about why I walked into a room to tell you…other things like hot flashes and night sweats…why is my elbow feeling stiff…why are my ankles paining…why has the cholesterol level gone up? I eat so healthy. What the hell is going on?” Mathur, 49, told Vickey Lalwani.
Despite being a “social person”, she recalled how she would feel “mildly anxious” when walking into a room with hundreds of people. “I am a social person…I am somebody who really enjoys meeting people, but I can’t remember your name…I can feel the warmth in my heart for you, but I don’t know who the hell you are. This is very disturbing! Suddenly, I would get very angry with the kids. There were things I noticed. If I went to a doctor, I would get prescriptions for individual issues. I didn’t take any of those tablets because I am somebody who likes answers. Am I falling apart? Am I going crazy? There was nobody who could spend more than 5-10 minutes with me. So, this whole quest led me to study and become a women’s health coach,” said Mathur.
Reflecting on this, Dr Rana Choudhary, Consultant, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, explained that perimenopause is the transitional phase preceding menopause. “It usually starts in the 40s, but can begin earlier. This phase is characterised by fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, the primary reproductive hormones. These changes can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms. The transition can last from a few months to several years before menstruation finally stops,” said Dr Choudhary.
One can experience sleep issues (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Why does sleep get affected during perimenopause? According to Dr Choudhary, hormonal changes are the leading cause. “As estrogen levels drop, they affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and mood. This can lead to night sweats, anxiety, or hot flashes that wake a person up early in the morning. Progesterone, which helps calm the brain, also decreases, making it harder to stay asleep or fall back asleep. The 3 to 5 am time frame is common because cortisol, the stress hormone, starts to rise then. If your body is already under hormonal stress, this can wake you up,” said Dr Choudhary.
While perimenopause is a natural part of ageing, Dr Choudhary said ongoing symptoms like disrupted sleep, fatigue, mood changes, or irregular periods should be discussed with a doctor. “Lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine in the evening, following a consistent sleep schedule, and practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises before bed can help. In some cases, hormone therapy or low-dose antidepressants might be suggested based on individual needs,” said Dr Choudhary.
What to note?
Every woman’s experience with perimenopause is different.”Don’t ignore symptoms or try to push through them alone. Being aware, seeking support, and getting timely help can make this transition much easier both physically and emotionally,” said Dr Choudhary.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
