perimenopause

While menopause is a familiar term to most women, perimenopause isn’t. It is the process of change that leads up to menopause. It can start as early as your late thirties or as late as your early fifties. How long this phase lasts varies, but it usually lasts from 2 to 8 years. You may have irregular periods or other symptoms during this time. In this article, we’ll examine menopause perimenopause and the impact it has on your health.

Women often began to notice their symptoms between the ages of 35 and 45. Pre menopause and menopause and hormonal changes seem to go hand in hand. Most pre menopausal women experience changes in their menstrual cycle. When estrogen levels begin to drop, the follicular phase of the cycle may be shortened, and this can shorten the total cycle from 28–30 days to 24–26 days, resulting in more frequent periods. However, other women begin having longer cycles because they are not ovulating as frequently. This declining or fluctuating estrogen level can produce a host of symptoms like hot flashes, increasing vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood swings, breast tenderness and many other complications.

Menopause perimenopause can have a significant impact on your mood. Some medical experts believe the decreased amount of estrogen produced during this time triggers brain changes that can cause depression. Others believe symptoms such as depression, irritability and anxiety can be brought on by hormone induced insomnia, fatigue and stress. Other factors, like a history of depression or anxiety, smoking, being physically inactive and disruptions in your normal routine can also trigger depression. If you are feeling depressed, anxious or stressed, then see your health care provider for treatment. You don’t have to accept mood changes as a “normal” part of perimenopause or menopause. With proper treatment you can feel like yourself again, so make sure you tell your doctor about all of your symptoms.

Specific treatment for menopause, perimenopause and hormone fluctuations will be determined by your physician based on your age, overall health and medical history. Your doctor will also take into account your specific symptoms and your treatment preferences. Typically, treatments can include low-dose birth control pills to keep hormone levels more constant, antidepressants to stabilize mood swings, and lifestyle changes. This could include dietary modifications, regular exercise, and abstaining for smoking and drinking. You may also choose to consult a homeopathic doctor or a dietician for natural treatments.

If you are having abnormal periods, frequent mood swings, and are extremely fatigued, it may be time to see a doctor. A number of illnesses can cause these symptoms, so be upfront with your doctor about your concerns and describe as many symptoms of your menopause perimenopause as you can. Work with your doctor to determine a course of treatment best suited to you. Diet and exercise are factors that can greatly influence how you feel, so trade fatty, salty or sugary foods for fruits, vegetables, grains, and foods rich in calcium, like leafy green vegetable and dairy products. You should also step up your physical activity. Not only will you look better, you will feel better as well.