Perimenopause Symptoms
As a woman’s egg supply begins to age she starts a process whereby her body ovulates (release eggs for fertilization) less frequently. As a result her hormone levels begin to fluctuate (rise and fall unevenly). This in turn affects the regularity of the menstruation cycle until both estrogen and progesterone levels finally drop significantly enough for the reproduction cycle to stop altogether.
Perimenopause is the period of time that takes place as menopause approaches. It can start anywhere from the late 30s to early 50s and varies in length from two to eight years with an average of four. It is considered over once a woman has gone 12 months without having a menstrual period (of any type).
Perimenopause is a natural part of growing older and is accompanied by a number of symptoms due to reproductive and hormonal changes taking place in the body. For this reason it is a good idea to learn about both peri- and menopause as you approach this mid-life period.
It is at this stage that women begin to experience signs of perimenopause. It might begin with a few months of irregular periods and some breast tenderness. Then perhaps all will be well for another two to four months before you notice a fatigue you cannot seem to shake or you will wake up in the night soaked in sweat. Usually by the end of the first year you are aware that something out of the ordinary is taking place.
Perimenopausal symptoms can vary from women to women. They are as different and distinct as women are themselves but usually stay within a standard range of what is considered normal. Primary symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes (about 65-75% of women have them) and night sweats, along with difficulty sleeping and mood swings. Irregular or light periods happen on a regular basis in most women while others are experiencing heavy bleeding for either longer or shorter length of times.
Other perimenopause symptoms include a worsening of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), vaginal dryness which occurs when estrogen levels go down, a decreased sex drive or discomfort during sex when lubrication and elasticity have diminished. Emotional changes during this time come and go as well. One day you may feel troubled or grouchy and the next it might be worried or depressed. And all the while you may be having problems with thinking clearly or remembering what happened yesterday.
Physical symptoms of perimenopause affect the body at random-urinary urgencies, as well as an increase in urine leakage while coughing or sneezing due to loss in tissue tone. Low estrogen levels leave some women more vulnerable to urinary and/or vaginal infection while others experience frequent headaches and/or heart palpitations.
Some women experience only a few symptoms, some very mild while others have severe perimenopausal symptoms that disrupt not only sleep and their daily lives as well. Over time, hormones even out (low levels) with most symptoms improving or going away but despite the decline in fertility women can still become pregnant. You should continue to use some type of birth control until menopause has been reached.
Many women actually experience relief from symptoms such as hot flashes after taking birth control (low dose)–birth control skin patch, vaginal ring, and progesterone injections for a short time. All medicines prescribed for both peri- or menopause symptoms have possible risks or side effects and a small number of women develop serious health problems. Talk to your doctor before starting a treatment for perimenopause symptoms. Do not forget the many natural means by which a woman can help herself; or the herbs and botanicals that can offer relief at this time.
One of the first steps to a healthy perimenopauseal period is to make good dietary choices. A diet rich in raw vegetables and fruit is a good start. Add whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and low fat poultry as well as fish for an all around good balance. Stay away from white flour/sugary foods as they will only add to the anxiety of the period. This goes for processed foods and those high in fat and empty calories. Take a supplement that will beef up calcium and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Get regular exercise as it will not only help with weight but it will ensure good oxygen saturation of the blood distributed throughout the body. This combination of exercise and oxygen naturally lifts the mood. Meditative breathing exercise can help in the reduction of hot flashes and many of the emotional signs of perimenopause.
This is also the perfect time to stop smoking (promotes hot flashes), limit caffeine, alcohol and get enough sleep. Those who suffer anxiety find that going to bed and rising at the same time every day helps.
Black cohosh is an herb often used to prevent or relieve symptoms of perimenopause. It works to reduce the secretion of luteinizing hormone (known to cause hot flashes and/or night sweats, palpitations of the heart, vaginal dryness and often headaches). Usually estrogen performs this job but during perimenopause estrogen levels drop too low. Red clover can also raise levels of phytoestrogens helping to reduce hot flashes.
Ginseng is used for perimenopause symptoms such as fatigue and lack of concentration. It can also increase energy and stamina while improving brain activity. Valerian will help contribute to good sleep and fewer nighttime waking episodes, as does the use of hops.
An amino acid found in green tea known as theanine has a calming effect which works without making you drowsy. The phytoestrogen (known as isoflavones) of soy and soy products can help with many of the symptoms of perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. You can incorporate soy into the diet with tofu and soy milk as well as soy cheese. These are all good sources of complete proteins with all the essential amino acids.
While irregular periods are normal for perimenopause watch for excessive or heavy bleeding lasting more than 7-8 days, bleeding that occurs between periods or occurs more than every three weeks.