During perimenopause, as a woman's body produces less estrogen, she begins to feel symptoms such as weight gain, hot flashes, painful or erratic monthly periods, mood swings, depression, difficulty sleeping, and a host of other signs of hormone imbalance.
Perimenopause is a natural stage in every woman's life. It is not a disease that can be prevented or cured.
2. At what age does perimenopause begin? How long will it last?
The symptoms of perimenopause may come about gradually. Some women as young as 35 years old have reported experiencing symptoms. At the same time, some women do not notice symptoms until two years before menopause.
The duration of perimenopause is somewhere between 2 and 10 years and is different for every woman. There's currently no way of predicting how long you'll stay in this stage before you transition into menopause.
3. What are the signs of Perimenopause?
The signs of perimenopause and the degree to which they are experienced by women are different for each one. Some women go through perimenopause with very little discomfort while others suffer severe pain and bleeding that disrupts their normal routines.
Common signs or perimenopause include night sweats, depression, irregular periods, abnormal bleeding during periods, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in sex and weight gain.
4. Is there a test I can take to find out if I'm really in perimenopause?
Yes, there is a way to find out for sure if you are perimenopausal. Doctors can test the levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that your ovaries are producing. FSH levels become unusually high for women during perimenopause.
5. How can I relieve the symptoms of perimenopause?
There are several things that you can do to ease the symptoms of perimenopause. You can make changes to your lifestyle and diet. There are also medications that you can use to treat specific symptoms of perimenopause. It's important not to self-medicate and to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medications.
6. What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? Is it a safe option for me to use?
Hormone replacement therapy alleviates the symptoms of perimenopause by supplying your body with the hormone estrogen. It is effective in relieving symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes.
Like all medicines, HRT treatment carries certain risks. A study conducted on women taking HRT suggested that HRT may increase your risk for breast cancer, heart attacks and stroke.
US FDA recommends that women who use HRT should use it at the lowest effective dose at the shortest time possible. It is best to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
7. Are some women more prone to early perimenopause?
Yes, there are certain factors that can predispose you to perimenopause early. These factors include your genetics and family history (what age the females in your family became perimenopausal) as well as some medical procedures like hysterectomies especially where the ovaries have been removed.
8. Can a perimenopausal woman still get pregnant?
While medical studies show that the perimenopausal period is a time when women are less fertile, it is still possible to get pregnant. Even when you experience irregular periods, pregnancy is still a possibility.
9. Am I at increased risk for certain disease during perimenopause?
Yes. The drop in estrogen levels that start during perimenopause alters the way our bodies work and this may leave women more susceptible to chronic diseases like heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and certain cancers like uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
10. What natural alternatives can I use to manage the symptoms of perimenopause?
Diet and exercise play an important role in the overall health of women. Herbs like black cohosh and primrose oil are also said to be effective for relieving hot flashes, depression and mood swings. Here are some morenatural remedies for Perimenopause.
Now that you've gotten an introduction to perimenopause, learn more about it! Read about the often overlooked signs of perimenopause and find out if your symptoms are really perimenopause signs and symptoms.
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