Many women think our bodies stop changing as soon as we reach adulthood. Hormonal imbalances, mood swings, physical transformations – we tend to associate all that with adolescence. But the truth is, our bodies change all the time, even if we are not entirely aware of it. While menopause is the most well-known stage for adult women entering their 50s, there is actually a previous transition phase that women between the ages of 40 to 54 experience: peri-menopause. Peri-menopause is a transitional period before menopause ultimately settles in and can be quite confusing and unsettling for many. Read on to learn more about peri-menopause, its symptoms, and how to manage them. I can help you take back control during this phase through an organized, step-by-step focused strategy!
What Is Peri-menopause?
Peri-Menopause refers to a period in which the ovaries begin to decline in function and produce less estrogen. However, when your body stops releasing eggs and the menstrual cycle stops altogether for a period of one year, this highlights the start of menopause. Peri-menopause lasts four years on average, though it may last anywhere from ten months for some and up to ten years for others. Peri-menopause begins around your 40s or early 50s and comes with symptoms and signs that might cause worry and anxiety regardless of when it starts.
Symptoms of Peri-menopause
Some of the most common symptoms of peri-menopause are:
Anxiety:
This is a prevalent symptom for many women. Low levels of key hormones like progesterone or norepinephrine can make it difficult for your body to function normally, causing your anxiety levels to rise seemingly out of nowhere.
Mood Swings:
Hormone shifts can make you go from happy to sad in minutes! Even though it's normal to have mood swings during this period, it might be significantly worse for women with a history of severe PMS, fibroids, or endometriosis.
Low Sex Drive:
Your sex drive might plummet due to a combination of stress, low energy, and painful intercourse. An unfortunate side effect of peri-menopause is vaginal dryness. When the vagina loses moisture and elasticity, penetration becomes difficult, making you uninterested in the activity.
Weight Gain:
Weight gain around your abdomen and thighs is another unwanted side-effect. You may find yourself stress-eating more often, eating larger portions, and, since energy and motivation are low, your desire to exercise decreases considerably—a perfect combination for weight to pile on.
Constant Cycle Changes:
Menstrual flow irregularities are normal and inevitable during this time. The number of days your cycle might increase or decrease will vary. You may have more days of spotting between cycles, larger heavy clots, or skip several months and not have a menstrual flow at all!
Sleeplessness:
Night sweats, hot flashes, and restlessness may make it difficult for you to sleep at night. If you depend too heavily on Ambien, SSRIs, or Melatonin, and they aren't working anymore, it's likely that your sleep-wake hormones are out of balance. Both Estrogen and Progesterone help dictate the quality of your circadian rhythm.
Hormonal Changes:
During peri-menopause, the estrogen and progesterone levels drop, affecting other body systems like your nervous system, immunity, cardiovascular, and digestion. It's no wonder we see increased rates of cancer and heart disease rise during this time.
Treatment Methods
While most symptoms can be managed, women need help to relieve the pain and suffering and reduce the stress associated with peri-menopause. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, I will recommend various treatment options, such as:
Natural Anti-depressants
Hormone Balancing using Herbal Treatments
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement
Change in the type of exercise
Revised diet for optimizing hormones
Improving the sleep hormones & establishing a regular sleep pattern
Naturopathic & Holistic medicine allows you to heal yourself, focus on the root cause of the problem and help you get long-term results to be symptoms free.
Naturopathic Doctor in Oakland | Dr. Vera Singleton
Peri-menopause is a normal part of life, and you don't have to suffer through it alone. This is the time to learn how to connect with your body and support the systems needed for the longer-term journey into menopause. If you are in Oakland and need relief from peri-meno's symptoms, reach out to Dr. Vera Singleton. I can offer you a wide variety of treatment options to help you through peri-menopause. I use a program-based approach to get you the results you want and which fits your unique needs. I'm committed to helping you get to the root of your symptoms and giving you resources to live your fullest, happiest life. Schedule an appointment online or call (510) 230-2282 today for more information!
