First symptoms a woman deals in perimenopause and their effects on her mind

 

Most women don’t even know what the perimenopause is but they definitely know to recognize that something “strange” is happening to them. What exactly is perimenopause? Well, perimenopause is the interval in which women’s body begins its transition into menopause. This means that it has some specific symptoms that are characteristic neither to normal fertility nor to menopause period. Experts are saying that perimenopause considered to be a period of several years leading up to menopause. Some are saying anywhere from 2 to 8 years- plus the first year after women’s final period. It isn’t anything pathological or abnormal! It is simple natural part of aging that signals the ending of woman’s reproductive years. It is all of course caused by hormones fluctuations because the levels of reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone rise and fall unevenly during perimenopause. Most of the women are interested to know when perimenopause starts and how long it lasts. This vary from woman to woman but a woman will probably notice signs of impending menopause, such as menstrual irregularities, sometime in 40s although some even notice changes as early as their mid-30s.

 

Every women should know that perimenopause is one “strange” period characterized by some subtle and mild and, some not-so-subtle changes in body. Some of the most characteristic symptoms include the followings:

Important thing to point out is that one of the first signs may be a change in a woman’s periods. How come? Well, many women are starting to have less regular periods while some have a lighter flow than normal. Others have a heavier flow and may bleed a lot for many days. Good thing about all this is that all women who have had problems with heavy menstrual periods and cramps will find relief from these symptoms when menopause starts.

What exactly is a hot flash? Experts are saying that a hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat in the upper part or all of body. It is extremely unpleasant condition when a woman’s face and neck become flushed. Red blotches may appear on chest, back, and arms. All this can be accompanied by heavy sweating and cold shivering. Women should know that these flashes can be as mild as a light blush or severe enough to wake you from a sound sleep. Most flashes last between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.  

This is also a very common symptom! Great majority of women experience mood swings, irritability or depression during perimenopause. Although the cause of these symptoms may be sleep problems or other menopausal symptoms – possible cause could be hormonal changes of menopause.

It is logical to assume that, when estrogen levels are depleted, women’s vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity. Of course- this makes an intercourse painful and almost impossible. Not only that- several researches done in the past have confirmed that this loss of tissue tone may contribute to urinary incontinence.

The logical consequence of irregular ovulation is less ability to conceive. However, good thing is that, as long as a woman is having periods, pregnancy remains a possibility. Every woman should keep this in mind all the time!

Although experts are saying that it doesn't have to be a sign of perimenopause- the fact is that most of the women find that their feelings about sex change with menopause. Changes are different! Some have changes to the vagina, such as dryness, that makes sexual intercourse painful while others feel freer and sexier after menopause because they do not worry about possible pregnancy!   

Several researches done in the past have came to the conclusion that because of declining estrogen levels, women will most definitely start to lose bone more quickly than she replace it. Of course- this will increase the risk of osteoporosis.

It is also proven that depletion of estrogen may also lead to unfavorable changes in blood cholesterol levels, including an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol- the bad cholesterol. This could be one very nasty complication because it contributes to an increased risk of heart disease.  

 

Although the menopause is a normal part of a woman's life - in some women, it may occur earlier than in others and that’s why-these women are interested are there any risk factors which can be connected with earlier onset of menopause symptoms! Although nothing of this is yet proven- there are some evidence which are suggesting that there are some factors which may contribute to perimenopause at an earlier stage in life. Some of the most common are:

Several researches done in the past have come to the fact that most of the women experience menopause around the same age as their mothers and sisters. Experts don’t know to explain this fact!

Some experts are saying that if woman never had a baby- it could be considered as a factor that may contribute to early menopause. This could also be related to the hormone fluctuations present in the pregnancy!

Recently, some studies showed that there is a connection between a history of heart disease and early menopause. This could be explained easily because an increased risk of heart disease, such as elevated blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, and early menopause are usually connected!

 

Experts are also saying that menopause may be induced at any time after your first period because of medical interventions, including:

There is no doubt- the fact is that one operation called total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy in which both uterus and ovaries are being removed-does cause menopause. Because hormone production stops suddenly-there's no perimenopausal phase and periods stop immediately.

Several researches about radiation side effects have proven that these cancer therapies can cause signs and symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and cessation of periods, during the course of treatment.  

 

Is there anything that woman can do to relieve the symptoms of perimenopause!? Most women are interested to find out more about it. The answer is simple- Yes, women can do a lot!

It is proven that anti-baby pills can help! Some women who are taking oral contraceptives experienced ease perimenopausal symptoms. They are using these pills even if they don't need them for birth control. The mechanism is simple! Treatments with combined estrogen and progestin can help keep periods regular plus ease all the symptoms.  

It is extremely useful to know that, when woman reaches menopause and she still needs treatment for menopause symptoms, she should switch from birth control pills to menopause hormone therapy (HT) because they are a lot safer! This therapy contains much lower doses of hormones.

 

There is no doubt now- it is proven that if woman makes some changes in hers life- it can also help ease hers symptoms and keep her self healthy.

Every woman should know that a healthy diet is most important thing in relieving symptoms of perimenopause! This is because of high risks of osteoporosis and heart disease. Every woman should eat lots of whole-grain foods, vegetables, and fruits, as well as the calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese, and yogurt) or take a calcium supplement to obtain recommended daily intake. This can help a lot in relieving the unpleasant symptoms!

There is no doubt-everyone knows that some regular exercises can help a lot in keeping a woman’s weight regulated, and make her sleep better. Regular exercises can also make bones stronger, and boosts woman’s mood.  

Woman may also feel better if you do things that enhance hers general well-being, such as:

 

Most women are interested can they end up pregnant during the perimenopause! The answer is simple- Yes; a woman can get pregnant in this period until she has gone 12 months in a row without a period. That’s why- every one of them should talk with her doctor about birth control options. Of course- we should also mention that no meter is someone uses one of these methods, she should also be sure also to use a latex condom or dental dam correctly during every sexual contact. Condoms also don't provide complete protection against STDs and HIV! The only sure protection is abstinence.