When a mother in her late forties shouts unnecessarily at her children then the immediate comment is it is because of menopause. Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and it is during this period when a women experiences hot flushes and mood swings. A cool person can become temperamental and the average age of menopause is 51 years. Of late, it has been observed that the onset is seen earlier due to stress and lifestyle changes.
What Is Perimenopause
It is a transitional period leading to menopause. Sometimes it encompasses three to five years and it is during this period that ovaries start to make less oestrogen. In the last years of Perimenopause there is a rapid decline in oestrogen levels. You can find out whether you are suffering from Perimenopause by checking the hormone levels through your saliva or through urine.
Duration Of Perimenopause
It lasts for about 4 years and ends when a woman has gone without having her period for the last twelve months. Usually the time at which menopause ends is based on their mother’s pattern though sometimes changes may occur.
Diagnosis
Clinical tests can be undertaken to determine follicle stimulating hormone. Four primary hormones are investigated and the physician diagnosis Perimenopause. Ultrasound can also be done. If the tests show high level of follicle stimulating hormone then, it is a definite case of Perimenopause.
Symptoms Of Perimenopause
- Becoming anxious and hyperactive
- Sleep disturbances.
- Breast tenderness.
- Decrease in sex drive and less vaginal lubrication.
- Mood swings.
- Forgetfulness.
- Increase In weight.
- Irritability.
- Irregular periods.
- Fatigue.
- Bladder problems.
What Are The Causes Of Early Perimenopause
A woman’s menopause is based on her mother’s pattern. The onset is earlier in women who smoke. Women who have never become pregnant experience this earlier. Women undergoing cancer treatment also experience an early onset.
How To Manage Perimenopause
Women are stressed at home or at the work place and they do not get the recommended dietary supplements. Drained relationships, smoking and drinking may make matters worse. When not everything is working properly the body sends signals and if these signals are not heeded then the situation becomes bad.
- Manage your ideal weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
- Cut down alcohol completely and cut down caffeine.
- Develop good sleeping habits.
- Eat Healthy.
- Take supplements.
- Learn something new.
What Can Women Do
Take adequate vitamin B tablets and calcium supplements to manage the bone strength. Incorporate weight bearing exercises in addition to aerobics to improve the bone strength and density. Yoga and mindfulness help to manage stress. They should be aware of the condition and be prepared with strategies to manage the condition.
Women with Perimenopause can get pregnant. So take necessary precautions to avoid complications later on. A balanced lifestyle with good food and activity will help to manage the condition well. Women can also learn something new so that they remain active and it makes them a better person and less of mood swings. Self-managing is better than going for repeated sessions.
Natural Food Supplements To Manage Perimenopause
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds help with hormone metabolism. You can grind them and use 1 to 2 tablespoons a day in your food.
Soy
Include tofu and soy milk in your diet on a regular basis for bone strength and to avoid mood swings.
Black Cohosh
It is an herb which is used to manage hot flushes. It maintains hormonal levels and so the severity of hot flushes is largely reduced. It is not effective for everyone and so try and determine your body type and take out trials whether it works on you or not. It is a safe herb and it can be taken by women having breast cancer or women having a family history of breast cancer.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
It has been observed that many a time that lack of this leads to onset of early menopause. This needs to be taken regularly for overcoming some of the symptoms.
Supplements To Be Taken Along With Food
Vitamin E
It is seen that women who take vitamin E daily are experiencing lesser hot flushes.
Vitamin B
It is very essential as it deals with stress.
So make changes to your lifestyle to manage the symptoms better.