More

    Perimenopause

    - Advertisement -

    As women approach their 40s and 50s, they enter perimenopause, a transitional phase leading to menopause. Perimenopause, marked by fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels, can start as early as age 35 and extends for years until the onset of menopause, which is the one-year anniversary of the last menstrual period.

    The symptoms of perimenopause vary widely among women due to the decline in essential hormones. Physical and emotional experiences can range from discomfort to debilitation. Stigmas around menstruation and menopause, coupled with a lack of women’s health education in the medical community, leave many women unaware of symptoms, treatment options, and the potential relief offered by diet and lifestyle changes.

    - Advertisement -

    Lower estrogen levels manifest in symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, brain fog, irritability, weight gain (especially visceral fat), fatigue, and bone weakness. Reduced progesterone levels result in irregular menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, and heightened anxiety or depression. Testosterone decline during perimenopause contributes to a lowered libido, vaginal dryness, difficulty concentrating, and decreased muscle mass and strength. Lesser-known symptoms include tinnitus, heart palpitations, gum soreness, and mood disorders.

    Despite being told their symptoms are “normal,” women can take proactive steps to manage perimenopausal symptoms and reduce the increased risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular issues associated with hormonal loss. Understanding perimenopause enables women to advocate for themselves, improve physical and mental well-being, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

    - Advertisement -

    Recognizing perimenopausal symptoms is crucial for differentiating them from potentially serious conditions. Misdiagnoses can have significant consequences, as illustrated by cases where early-onset Alzheimer’s symptoms were mistakenly attributed to perimenopause.

    For those experiencing disruptive symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. While lifestyle adjustments like maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and sufficient sleep can help, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to significantly improve a woman’s quality of life by alleviating perimenopausal discomfort and associated risks. Exploring supplements for key nutrients, minerals, and vitamins can also be beneficial.

    - Advertisement -

    Latest articles

    Related articles