Most women experience irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings long before they experience menopause.This is perimenopause!Around menopause is a time period in a woman's life when her body begins transitioning toward menopause.The transition can last between four and ten years.Between the ages of 40 and 58 is when menopause begins.Some women don't notice the changes in their body, even though they suffer during this time.If needed, there are steps you can take to control the symptoms.
Step 1: You should notice that your periods are not the same.
Some periods can be lighter and others heavier because of perimenopause, which can bring on a greater lapse of time between periods.If the length of your cycle is changed by seven days, you could be in the early stages of perimenopause.Two months between periods is an indication that you are in the late stages of perimenopause.When you haven't had a period in a year, menopause is complete.
Step 2: Expect hot flashes.
You may begin to notice hot flashes, or a sudden sensation of heat over your body that causes sweating, increased heart rate, and skin redness, for one to five minutes.The hormone changes leading up to menopause are normal.It is possible that hot flashes will end with a cold chill.The intensity can make it hard to sleep, as it varies as much as the length.
Step 3: Understand mood swings.
Mood swings can also be caused by lack of sleep due to hot flashes.Women can become depressed.Children leaving home, aging parents, and changes within marriage are some of the stressors that can cause mood swings.They can be caused by thyroid issues.
Step 4: During intercourse, you should expect pain.
During perimenopause, the lining of your vaginal tissues thin, which leads to loss of lubrication.During sex, this can cause pain.
Step 5: There is an increased risk of infections in the urinary and vaginal tracts.
Vaginal infections can be caused by the same thin of vaginal tissues that cause pain during intercourse.Loss of bladder control can be caused by the loss of muscle tone in the vaginal area.
Step 6: Expect sweats.
Night sweats are nothing to be alarmed about.They are similar to hot flashes at night.A hot flash can cause a woman to lose sleep.
Step 7: You should notice an increase in anxiety.
Although the hormonal change of perimenopause may not directly cause an increase of anxiety, there are so many things occurring around a woman that anxiety can be a normal part of the process.Increased stress and a lowered ability to cope with it are caused by hot flashes and night sweats.During perimenopause, a vicious cycle of stress-symptoms-anxiety can be enacted, where your stress level causes your symptoms to be worse.A lot of changes occur in your life, such as children leaving home and parents aging, increasing your anxiety levels.
Step 8: There is an increase in headaches.
At the beginning of perimenopause, some women experience headaches or migraines.You may be able to confirm that you are experiencing perimenopause if you notice more headaches or an increase in intensity.After menopause, some of these symptoms can continue for a long time.
Step 9: Make sure you adjust your mindset.
If you start to suspect that you are experiencing perimenopause, it is time to get a checkup from a doctor.If you know what to expect and have remedies on hand to treat them, you may be able to reduce your level of irritability.You can put things in place if you start to suspect you have perimenopause.
Step 10: It's a good idea to use lubrication.
Since the vaginal walls are thinner as your hormones change, you may experience vaginal dryness.The water base helps when you start to feel uncomfortable.Vaginal moisturizers, which are inserted internally, can help reduce changes in your pH.
Step 11: Sleep in cool clothing.
If you don't have night sweats on a regular basis at the beginning of perimenopause, it is a good idea to sleep in cool clothing.
Step 12: It's a bad idea to have headaches.
If you notice an increase in headaches, the first thing to do is avoid headaches caused by bright lights, loud sounds, and doing things that cause eye strain.Alcohol, chocolate, and cheese should be avoided.
Step 13: Good nutrition needs to be maintained.
Good sleep and exercise can help regulate mood swings.Make an appointment with a nutritionist if you don't know how balanced your diet is or if there are certain foods you should avoid or eat more of.Good nutrition can be helped by taking vitamins.Mild depression and mood disorders can be reduced by using St. John's wort.The impact of perimenopause on the body is caused by bone density loss.
Step 14: You should get regular exercise.
Studies show that regular exercise can reduce headaches.It can help you lose weight and sleep better.Try to work out at least three days a week.
Step 15: Call for medical help.
Once you start to notice symptoms of perimenopause, you should meet with your doctor.The transition to menopause can be made easier with the help of at- home remedies and medication therapies.
Step 16: Look at herbal supplements.
If you want to start a self-prescribed hormone regimen on your own, you should speak with your doctor to make sure any supplements you use don't interact with other medications you may be taking.Kava is said to help with perimenopause anxiety.Herbal remedies are not regulated as well as prescription treatments, so always consult your doctor about the herbs you intend to try.When mixed with other things, herbal or "natural" doesn't mean they have no side effects.
Step 17: Questions can be brought along with the doctor.
You should not forget to ask questions at the doctor's office.Ask about treatments available to you, natural alternatives to these treatments, when to see the doctor again, what you should be concerned about, and so on.
Step 18: Inquire about hormone therapy.
If symptoms become problematic during perimenopause, you may want to start hormone therapy.If your doctor prescribes a regimen of estrogen treatments alone or in combination with progesterone, your body will be able to regulate hormones as it transitions to menopause.Cream, gel, a skin patch, and a pill are some of the different forms of estrogen therapy.
Step 19: Ask about the hormones vaginal and estradiol.
If you have severe vaginal dryness, you may want to ask your doctor about vaginal estrogen.A small amount of estrogen can be released into the vagina where it is needed for a variety of problems.
Step 20: Do you know about antidepressants?
During perimenopause, anti-depressants can reduce the occurrence of hot flashes.For women who can't take estrogen supplements, this is a good alternative.
Step 21: You can find out about the drug Neurontin.
The drug Gabapentin is an alternative to estrogen therapy.It might be a good second line treatment to help with hot flashes.
Step 22: Tell them.
Explaining to your family and friends about your perimenopause will help them adjust to the many symptoms you may experience over the next few years.It will help them understand when you can't do a lot of things because of headaches or hot flashes.
Step 23: You should build a support system.
These people are perfect to tell about your perimenopause journey if you have a group of friends.They can support your decisions on symptom treatment, be available when you need to talk about your issues, and give general feedback so that you don't feel alone.If you don't have a group of friends like this, just one or two supportive people will still provide you with the emotional support you need to keep from becoming overwhelmed.If you don't have anyone to rely on, join a perimenopause or menopause support group at a local community gathering place.Reducing the impact your symptoms have on your mental state can be done with the help of a church.
Step 24: Women can be found to talk to.
It is very helpful to find women who have gone through perimenopause so that you don't feel alone and to get advice about how to navigate this stage of life.