Perimenopause happens when your ovaries stop functioning consistently which disrupts the normal hormonal rhythm of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This hormonal change occurs up to 10 years before you cross over into menopause. Some people can start having perimenopausal symptoms in their late 30years. The erratic and chaotic symptoms of perimenopause mark the beginning of menopause. Seeing a healthcare specialist who can diagnosis and treat these normal hormonal stages is recommended.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
Estrogen levels begin to decline in a woman’s mid to late 30’s. As estrogen, and other hormones, decline and production becomes erratic, hormonal chaos begins. Common symptoms of irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, depression, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, brain fog, worsening PMS, bloating, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and low libido. Other less discussed symptoms include heart palpitations, joint pain, frozen shoulder, itchy, dry and sensitive skin, ringing in the ears, electric shock sensations, gum disease problems, acne, urinary tract infections, nipple discharge and burning mouth syndrome.These symptoms mimic the symptoms of menopause but tend to come and go unlike symptoms associated with menopause. All of these disruptive symptoms can affect your quality of life.
When estrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones start to fluctuate, early perimenopausal symptoms of irregular, heavier or lighter periods, hot flashes and emotional changes including irritability, anxiety and depression can begin.
Early warning signs of perimenopause
When estrogen, progesterone and testosterone begin to decline in the 30’s, subtle symptoms can include irregular, heavier, or lighter periods, fatigue, weight gain, bloating, breast tenderness, depression, irritability, anxiety, worsening PMS, acne, and low libido. These symptoms may or may not be associated with perimenopause or the menopausal transition but if persistent and disruptive, seeing a healthcare provider may be helpful.
Products for Perimenopause
Dressing in layers and staying in cool temperature are the first steps in dealing with hot flashes. Other cooling clothing-vests, towels, pajamas, and sheets are helpful in minimizing hot flashes and night sweats. Avoid hot beverages, spicy foods, red wine and hot climates which can bring-on or worsen hot flashes.
Good lifestyle habits include keeping your BMI under 30, regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and limiting alcohol and tobacco use.
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA and have limited medical studies to back their use. Some herbal remedies may have minor benefits for perimenopause symptoms including chasteberry, Black Cohost, Siberian Rhubarb, Ashwagandha, and Royal jelly.
Even though the studies are not conclusive, hot flashes may improve with acupuncture treatment.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnosis have also been found to have some benefits in minimizing vasomotor symptoms.