Perimenopause Symptoms – The Transition
Susan Megge
Until you reached this stage in your life, there’s a high
probability that you’d never even heard of perimenopause. As a
matter of fact, you were probably a bit surprised that
perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause) could
begin so early in life, and last for ten years – sometimes even
longer.
Symptoms of perimenopause are described almost exactly as those
associated with menopause, and may include:
• Weight gain (especially around the mid-section)
• Mood changes
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in sexual desire (lowered libido)
• Sleep disturbances
• Frequent urination
• Extreme sweating
• Difficulty concentrating
• Other symptoms similar to those you may experience with
premenstrual syndrome
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea
to talk with your health care provider to rule out any other
medical conditions. Once you’re sure that perimenopause is
indeed the culprit behind the symptoms you’re now noticing,
it’s time to “step it up” and take the steps necessary to
reduce – and in many cases eliminate – the discomforts that can
be associated with perimenopause.
Your physician will likely encourage you to make some lifestyle
changes that have been proven to effectively benefit many women
during perimenopause. These include:
• Altering your diet to include soy and flax
• Exercising regularly, incorporating weight training into your
routine at least three days per week
• Taking supplements of vitamin E
• Avoiding triggers that can cause hot flashes, such as
caffeine; also, it’s suggested that you avoid being in
extremely warm temperatures or rooms
• Herbal treatments, such as ginkgo biloba, black cohash or
Evening Primrose Oil
Depending on your age, health and medical history and the
severity of your symptoms, your doctor may also use various
other treatments to remedy your perimenopausal symptoms, such
as:
• A low dose of birth control to stabilize your hormone levels
• Antidepressants to level out your mood swings
• Progesterone to alleviate symptoms associated with
premenstrual syndrome
This transitional period can be a bit frightening for many
women, but it’s important to remind yourself that you can
indeed breeze through perimenopause and menopause if you simply
take care of yourself. You can be as healthy, energetic, happy
and beautiful as you’ve always been. As an added bonus, your
age has brought you to a maturity level you didn’t have twenty
years ago, giving you confidence to be certain that you can be
and do everything you set your mind to. You will no doubt enjoy
and savor your life if you remain positive and determined.
About The Author: Susan Megge is the founder of
http://www.40isbeautiful.com , a
website designed to assist
mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan,
a health and fitness expert started experiencing symptoms of
perimenopause and menopause several years ago and researched
various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led
to her discovery that menopause can be a very manageable, and
even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is the
author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40," a book dedicated to
helping women to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they
approach menopause.
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