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Perimenopause: The Beginning of Change

As women we experience many changes in our reproductive life, puberty, childbearing years, perimenopause, menopause and than post-menopause. Our bodies and hormones change with each phase, something women learn to adapt to.

It seems that the phase that can be the most difficult for women is during perimenopause. This is the time when it becomes apparent that the childbearing years are beginning to wind down and menopause is on the way. Understanding this phase may help women accept the alterations a little easier.

What is it?

It is the period of time when your body is transitioning toward menopause. Your reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone, begin to rise and fall unevenly, causing you to experience signs of menopause. These signs usually begin to occur in women sometime during the 40’s but can happen as early as the mid-30’s.

The symptoms of perimenopause may include some or all of the following:

Irregularities in your menstrual cycle. You may experience longer intervals between periods and may even skip some periods altogether. Your flow may become light and last a shorter amount of time or you may experience longer and heavier periods.

Emotional swings. You may experience swings in mood, irritability and even depression. Some believe these symptoms are the result of hormone changes while others believe they may be due to some of the other symptoms like lack of sleep, weight gain or hot flashes.

Hot Flashes. Hot flashes or night sweats may begin, causing you to lose sleep. Between 75 – 85 percent of women experience these during perimenopause. During a hot flash you experience a rush of heat rising from your chest to your head. It is not completely known what causes hot flashes but it has been found that such things as hot weather, alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods can trigger them more often.

Bone loss. The risk of osteoporosis increases as your estrogen levels decline, causing you to lose bone quicker than your body can replace it.

Decreased interest in sex. While many women may continue to enjoy sex, others will experience a change in arousal and desire to have sex. For some this may be due to diminishing estrogen levels causing natural lubrication to decline, resulting in painful intercourse.

Increased bladder and vaginal infections. The decrease in estrogen can leave you more vulnerable to urinary and vaginal infections.

Low fertility. Because ovulation is becoming less frequent your chance of conceiving decreases. But until you experience no periods for 12 months or more you can still conceive, so continue using birth control.

Cholesterol levels. Lower estrogen levels can also lead to changes in your blood cholesterol levels. The “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can increase while the “good” cholesterol (HDL) can decrease. These changes can put you at risk for heart disease.

Concerns about perimenopause

Perimenopause is a natural transition in a woman’s body but sometimes the transition isn’t easy. If your symptoms, such as night sweats, hot flashes, cramps, or too heavy of a flow are becoming a concern you should seek advice from your physician. Taking oral contraceptives can sometimes help relieve perimenopausal symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest other forms of treatment such as hormone or herbal.

Depression is also a legitimate problem at this stage. Take this symptom seriously and see your doctor. With so many medications available now for depression there is no reason for you to suffer.

Sometimes complications not related to perimenopause can be the cause of your symptoms. See your doctor if you experience:

Extreme bleeding where the flow is so heavy that you need to change your tampon or pad every hour.

A heavy period that lasts longer than 8 days.

Periods occurring less than 21 days apart.

Bleeding between periods.

These symptoms may be an indication of a more serious gynecological problem that needs treatment right away.

Taking care of yourself during perimenopause

Choosing a healthy lifestyle may help to ease the symptoms of perimenopause. Because you are more prone to heart disease and osteoporosis at this stage in your life it is important to eat a healthy diet. Eat calcium rich foods or take a calcium supplement to keep your bones strong. Add more fiber by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains while lowering the fat in your diet. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol may also help alleviate hot flashes.

Add regular exercise to your life to help prevent weight gain and reduce stress. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week will help to strengthen your bones, improve your sleep, elevate your mood and help you to feel more relaxed and calm. Exercise will also help to keep you heart healthy.

Perimenopause is a natural occurrence in a woman’s life and symptoms can last for several years. Understanding these symptoms and knowing there are options available to you will help you transition through this phase in your life more comfortably.

SBI!