There are 67 characters that you may enter in perimenopause. What should you do about it?
What is perimenopause and why is it important?
Perimenopause refers to the years before the menopause when the hormone level is shifting and the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. It usually begins between the late 30s and early 50s, although most experience it in the middle of up to 40 years.
In contrast to menopause – defined than 12 months without a period of time – perimenopause is more like a hormonal prequel. It can take 4 to 8 years, but for some it stays longer. After NhsSymptoms can gradually begin and intensify over time.
People usually associate the menopause crossing with a decay of the estrogen Peacs of over 3x that of people in the thirties.
While some people have a seamless transition to menopause, the hormone fluctuations can affect almost any system in the body.
Is it perimenopause – or something else?
Here is the kicker: Some of the 67 symptoms do not automatically mean that they are perimenopausal. Many signs – such as tiredness, flatulence or low mood – are not specific and can be triggered by stress, poor sleep or even diet.
However, if you notice the symptoms of the symptoms, especially in addition to changes in your menstrual cycle, it can be time to take the perimenopause lens into account, especially if you are over 40.
Katy Bradbury, a health specialist for women’s health, says: “Many women arrive in my clinic that they are in perimenopause from the doctor based on an independent FSH or Amh blood examination, but the literature suggests that the diagnosis should be based on the assessment of the symptoms.” Frustrating, although not surprising, the evidence and our understanding of the physiology of perimenopause only began in the 1990s, and some guidelines could benefit from being more integrative.
The PRETTY Guidelines state that the symptoms alone are sufficient to start treatment, especially for the over 45 years without needing hormone tests. However, there are also irregular menstrual cycles and vasomotor symptoms (alias hot flushes) as the main identifying symptoms, although the literature indicates that these symptoms are often associated with later stages of perimenopause.
The upper Tell-Tale sign that you have to pay attention to
Endocrinologist and menopause researcher Dr. Jerilynn Priorsays that perimenopause can be diagnosed if you develop three of the following nine symptoms if you have not experienced it before and have been excluded differential diagnoses:
- Changes to their period, e.g. B. become heavier at the beginning or longer river
- Shorter menstrual cycles (less than 26 days)
- Painful, swollen or clumpy breasts
- Wake up in the middle of sleep
- Increased menstrual cramps
- Start of the night sweat
- New or increased migraine pot pain
- New or increased PMS voting fluctuations
- Weight gain without changing nutrition
Other signs are dry eyes, vaginal drought, breast time volume, joint pain and a sudden drop in libido. Even symptoms that you would not associate with hormones – such as electric shock sensations, dizziness or gum problems – can occur for some.
The NHS worker Gemma (43) said: “I had expected hot flashes because everyone talks about it, but nothing prepared me for the preliminary anger, the loss of trust and the insatiable itchy ears in the middle of the night.”
Why so many symptoms?
Hormones not only regulate reproduction – they have receptors throughout the body. When estrogen begins to fluctuate, it affects the brain, the intestine, the bones, the skin, the bladder and much more. In the meantime, progesterone waste (affect sleep and mood) and testosterone declines (affect energy, libido and muscle tone) are falling.
It is difficult that estrogen not only gradually decreases in perimenopause – it rises and sometimes rises dramatically and day by day. It is this instability that causes the roller coaster effect of symptoms, and some researchers compare perimenopause in youth or second puberty.
What can you actually do about it?
Not everyone needs treated. If your symptoms are mild and manageable, you can prefer to easily observe. However, if you influence your quality of life, there are many options – from lifestyle to medically to complementary.
1. Make your foundations correctly
Nutrition, movement, calm and reduction in stress are your first line of defense.
- Eat a full use, blood-sugar-balanced diet
- Prioritize protein and healthy fats to support hormone production
- Get regular exercise – especially resistance training to protect bones and muscles
- Prioritize restorative sleep and stress regulation
“This is about replacing our body battery again, which has decreased over the years with social expectations, conditioning and a person with high performance.” Perimenopause is her body, which asks you to slow down, recharge, nourish yourself and switch on. “
2. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
For those who really have to fight, HRT is the best documented medical treatment for hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings. The British Menopause Society suggests that it is safe for most people under the age of 60 or within 10 years after menopause.
Modern HRT usually includes:
- estrogen (Spots, gel, spray)
- progesterone (Capsules or ius/coil)
- testosterone (sometimes used outside the label for low libido and energy)
Work with a GP or menopause specialist to adapt your options.
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) has also shown advantages for sleep and mood, so NHS instructions.
3 .. complementary approaches
While less researched, find a lot of relief in:
- Herbal like black cohosh, red clover or Ashwagandha
- acupuncture
- Yoga and breathing work
- Mindfulness or somatic therapy
Remember that the wellness industry is a big business in menopause and what kind of one works because it depends on its individual imbalances/drivers. Here the personalized integrative health care can be extremely helpful.
Is perimenopause a “condition” that needs to be treated?
Here is the take home: perimenopause is natural and not pathological. But that doesn’t mean that it is a walk in the park.
On the one hand, the drive helps to normalize menopause, reduce the stigma and enable people to search for support. On the other hand, there is a risk of over -medicalization that is not a disease.
The key is Selection. You don’t have to suffer. You don’t have to “carry out”. And you don’t have to take HRT if it doesn’t feel right. However, they earn access to information, support and dignity through the transition.
So if you read this and ask yourself whether the changes you feel are hormonal, the answer could be. And now you know: you are not alone and not broken. You are not in a transition that deserves care.
Further reading:
Best nutritional supplements for perimenopause – to support the transition from menopause
What is perimenopause?
What is menopause?
Menopause diet: what to eat
All health content on goodfood.com is only provided for general information and should not be treated as a replacement for the medical advice of your own doctor or another medical specialist. If you have concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health service provider. See our website Terms and conditions More information.
