What Is Perimenopause?
Here’s what you need to know about this important stage in your life
Do you find yourself having irregular periods which you’ve never experienced since becoming a “regular” at the age of 9? Are you always irritable now even though you’ve always had a sunny disposition? Do you notice a little weight gain, especially in the waist and thigh areas? Are you experiencing all of these and you’re barely 40 years old?
Chances are, you’re in the early (or maybe even late) stages of perimenopause.
About Perimenopause
“Peri-what?” you ask.
Perimenopause is a transitional stage to menopause. It is quite difficult to pinpoint exactly when it starts, but it’s easy to tell when it’s over. Once a woman misses her period for 12 consecutive months, she is considered menopausal.
During perimenopause, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen which in turn causes many of the perimenopause signs. Though gradual in nature, its physical and psychological effects on women can be very evident.
Estrogen is one of the 2 primary female sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle (the other one is progesterone). The production of estrogen happens mostly in the ovaries, though not limited to it. The fluctuating levels of both estrogen and progesterone are the main reasons why women experience the pangs of perimenopause.
Perimenopause Signs and Symptoms
There is no way to predict when perimenopausal changes will start to take place. It’s not uncommon for women to start feeling the changes during their mid-30’s. Some may not experience it until well into their 40s. It can last from a short 2 years to a lengthy 10 years. A good indicator to find out when you’re likely to have it is to find out when your mom and the other female members of your family started their journey into perimenopause.
The most common and complained about symptom of perimenopause is irregularity in the menstrual period. Perimenopause periods can go from light to heavy, and short to long cycles. Some women have also reported experiencing severe PMS during their periods. There are times when the bleeding is too much that you may think you’re hemorrhaging. (Of course, it is always a good precaution to consult your doctor in case this happens to you.)
Other perimenopause symptoms ranges from weight gain to hair loss, mood swings, palpitations, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, depression, dizziness, night sweats, and hot flashes. Fatigue, memory lapses, trouble sleeping through the night, and loss in bone density are some signs that you are in this stage.
Perimenopause Tests and Treatments
Perimenopause is normal. If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, then you need not be alarmed. The safest way to go about it is to confirm it. A medical health practitioner may be able to help you with this. Although not always necessary, there is a test to find out if you are perimenopausal. The do this by measuring the level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) produced by your pituitary gland.
Once the tests confirm the condition or once you accept that you are in perimenopause, the next step is to go about with the treatment. Just because it’s a natural life stage that all women go through, it doesn’t mean that you should just grin and bear the discomforts associated with it.
There are traditional treatments like hormone therapy that are prescribed by doctors to ease specific symptoms of perimenopause. Some women however prefer alternative treatments, mostly centering on herbs, creams and vitamins to help relieve some of the painful symptoms.
The most important thing you can do though is to have a balanced diet and to exercise. Not only will this help with the symptoms of perimenopause, but it will also help you feel better and healthier on the whole.
Here are the Solutions to Your Perimenopause Symptoms
Learning more about perimenopause is essential to conquering it. Join our FREE mini course and get the answers you are looking for. Find out:
- What Perimenopause is and how it affects your body's functioning
- How to tell when Perimenopause begins and when it will end
- What symptoms to expect now that you are in Perimenopause
- How to treat Perimenopause symptoms using medicine and natural remedies found in your home
- How to have the right diet and how to make the correct lifestyle changes that will help you overcome Perimenopause symptoms
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