Menopause Perimenopause And Your Health

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Menopause Perimenopause And Your Health

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Perimenopause is the phase before menopause actually takes place, when ovarian hormone production is declining and fluctuating, causing a host of symptoms that are actually vary similar to menopause. Some medical experts believe that perimenopause can last for as long as 5 to 15 years, while others believe it occurs in the 3 to 4 year span just before menopause. Many women may not recognize that they’ve entered this phase of life and may be confused about the symptoms they’re experiencing. In this article, we have some valuable information about menopause perimenopause and your quality of life.

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.

The years leading up to menopause perimenopause don’t have to be peppered with physical and emotional ups and downs. If you are experiencing sleeplessness, fatigue, irregular or abnormally light or heavy periods, and frequent mood swings, then speak to your doctor about your concerns. By assessing the combination of your symptoms, he can make a diagnosis and prescribe the treatment best suited to you. Also, it’s important that you take good care of yourself. Monitor your diet to make sure you are getting adequate nutrition and exercise regularly. Lifestyle changes alone can have a significant impact on your overall feeling of wellness.

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