Your Guide to Perimenopause and Expert Tips for How to Cope With Its Symptoms
Have you heard of perimenopause? If not, you’re not alone. Not many women know about perimenopause, even though it is something every woman will go through. Understanding what perimenopause is and recognizing its symptoms can help you navigate this natural phase of life with confidence. With insights from the Cleveland Clinic, we’re here to guide you through what to expect and how to manage the changes in your body. This is essential reading for every woman looking to embrace this transition with knowledge and grace!
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time right before menopause when a woman slows down her estrogen production. It’s a slow decline that includes a decline in fertility, slower menstrual cycles, and a slew of other symptoms. In other words, it’s the beginning of the end of your reproductive years and a natural part of life as a woman.
When It Happens
Perimenopause is not a “one size fits all” thing. Some women can have it as young as 30, but most women will start to experience symptoms when they hit their 40s or 50s. If you can, ask your mother when she started to have symptoms. It’s often a good way to gauge when it’ll hit you.
Pregnancy? Possibly.
It’s important to remember that perimenopause doesn’t mean you’re infertile. As it turns out, you can be both perimenopausal and pregnant at the same time. Many women describe it as feeling like they’re trapped in a hormonal whirlwind.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms of perimenopause are fairly notorious. Hot flashes, the occasional ache or pain, and having more irregular visits from Aunt Flo are the most common ones. Some women also tend to get a bit more itchy “down there” as their moisture dries up.
Looks Change
Perimenopause is also linked to other changes. As your estrogen levels decline, you might notice thinner skin. This, in turn, leads to more fine lines and wrinkles. Perimenopause can also cause weight gain around your midsection, hair loss, as well as thinner lips.
Some women also get acne as a result of their hormone fluctuations or get new hair growth elsewhere. (It’s almost like a second puberty.)
The Little Secret People Don’t Mention
The looks part of perimenopause tends to be pretty easy to spot, but there is another aspect that’s a little bit more stigmatized: the mood changes. Many, but not all, women tend to have mood swings as their hormones fluctuate. It’s not unlike what you may have experienced when dealing with Premenstrual Syndrome.
Irritable At Random?
You might be wondering how you can tell if it’s PMS or perimenopause. It’s simple: perimenopause tends to feel a lot more random. It won’t always be around the time you typically menstruate. Moreover, you might just randomly get angry or sad without rhyme or reason.
This is because your estrogen levels are decreasing, which in turn, can mess with your progesterone levels. It’s the same type of estrogen drop that causes PMS.
Feeling Bad?
The first thing you should know is that you’re not alone. This is a really difficult time for many women. However, you can get help. Doctors can prescribe antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and even supplementary estrogen to help you get a better handle on your moods.
After all, it’s generally not pleasant to want to throw a shoe at every person you meet and perimenopause can do that if it remains unchecked.
Self-Care Is King
It’s important to note that you don’t always have to medicate away those mood swings. Sometimes, what you really need is a lot of self-care. If you want to go the natural route, try breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or even just a really warm bath.
Others Get It
If you’re starting to go through the changes, it makes a lot of sense to befriend people who are either your age or older. Why? Because you are going to have moments where you will want to vent. Believe it or not, perimenopause can be a pretty good reason to bond with others who have been there.
When To Worry
Sometimes, what you think is perimenopause isn’t. If you notice abnormal bleeding, spotting during sex, an unusual odor, or sudden bruising, call a doctor. (In fact, it might be good just to chat with a doctor if you just feel a little shaky. You can never be too cautious.)
Not That Long
If you are feeling beaten up by perimenopause, don’t panic quite yet. Perimenopause starts eight to 10 years prior to full-blown menopause for some women. However, most people will be in this time of their lives for about four to eight years. It’s really not that long when you think about it. So, relax. Read a book. And mellow out with a sad movie if you need to.
Sexual Changes
The way perimenopause affects your sexuality varies from person to person. For instance, some women may experience vaginal dryness, which may cause pain during intercourse, while others may feel a decrease in libido. Regardless of your symptoms, keep a positive attitude towards your changes and open communication with your partner.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Women experiencing perimenopause should pay extra attention to their health to ensure a smooth transition to their next phase of womanhood. For instance, a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens as well as regular exercise will help you deal with your symptoms. This may also be a great opportunity to quit bad habits such as smoking and excessive caffeine intake.
Sleep Struggles
Perimenopause can make it very hard get a full nights sleep. Hormonal fluctuations, especially the drop in estrogen, can lead to night sweats, hot flashes, the urgent need to pee, and increased anxiety, all of which can disrupt your sleep. You might find yourself waking up frequently or having trouble falling asleep in the first place. Do what you can to prioritize good sleep habits and get as much sleep as you can.
This article was inspired by the Cleveland Clinic’s explanation of perimenopause.
