Perimenopause Begins the Process

 

Known by some as ‘the change of life’, perimenopause is the first phase of menopause – the period before menstruation stops and a woman’s levels of estrogen and progesterone are declining. This natural progression signals the decline of your hormones and the end of your ability to bear children. Depending upon the individual, perimenopause can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years before menopause is reached and menstruation stops entirely for a year.

This time can be fraught with symptoms that can be disconcerting or uncomfortable. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause include:

• Irregular periods
• Mood Swings, irritibility
• Sleep Disorder – trouble sleeping, nights sweats
• Hot Flashes – sudden flush of heat to the body
• Vaginal dryness
• Onset of foot pain

It’s important to remember that this change of life is normal, as difficult as it may seem at times. The symptoms of perimenopause can be minimized or managed in a myriad of ways. Hormone treatments are one way to ease the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Talk to your doctor regarding what he or she may recommend…there are particular risks for women over 35, women who smoke or have a certain health history. Equally as important is a healthy diet and exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements, even herbs or other medications prescribed by a physician.

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