I have been doing quite a lot of research into my descent into madness, AKA perimenopause. I taken material directly from the Menopause Centre Australia (writing in italics) to help explain clearly what life is currently like for me.
What is Peri Menopause?
Perimenopause can be a somewhat uncomfortable and even frightening time for women who are unprepared for the changes that accompany it. It is the second stage of the menopause process, and it can be recognized as the stage that signals the start of the end of the reproductive years.
Although all women are different, they usually enter perimenopause in their late thirties or early forties. During this time, the female body prepares for the total cessation of reproductive functions, causing myriad changes and feelings.
Causes of Peri Menopause
At the most fundamental level, perimenopause is caused by a sudden increase in hormone fluctuations.
There are two major reasons for these to happen:
Hormonal Causes: They result in the visible signs and symptoms of perimenopause. This involves the natural hormonal fluctuations that accompany aging and eventually lead to an end of the reproductive years.
External Causes: These involve things like stress and medical procedures that can trigger hormone changes.
Perimenopause Symptoms
Probably the most recognizable feature of perimenopause, symptoms is the way women’s bodies respond to the erratic hormonal changes taking place. Perimenopause symptoms often begin at a mild level of intensity and may come and go unpredictably for months or even years. Some of the most common perimenopause symptoms are:
- Anxiety
- Bloating
- Breast Pain & Tenderness
- Burning Tongue
- Depression
- Digestive Problems
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Hair Loss
- Heart Palpitations
- Hormonal Headaches
- Hot Flushes
- Incontinence
- Irregular Periods
- Irritability
- Itchy Skin
- Joint Pain
- Lack of concentration
- Low Libido
- Memory loss
- Mood Swings
- Muscle Tension
- Night Sweats
- Osteoporosis
- Panic Disorder
- Sleep Disorders
- Tingling Extremities
- Vaginal Dryness
I have highlighted (most) of the areas I am, or have, experienced. Life as I knew it is no more.
This isn't all bad news however. While it is definitely a quite unpredictable and often erratic season, I have managed to add some calm. I now swear by St John's Wort. Several symptoms have eased considerably, except for those occasional flare-ups when severe hormonal swings occur, as they did on the weekend.
These symptoms improved are:
- Sleep. I am more able to get to sleep within an hour of going to bed and can sleep almost a full night more often.
- Panic. This has eased dramatically. Not everything is a catastrophe anymore.
- Mood swings. Impressive improvement. I don't cry as much for one thing.
- Depression. Huge improvement.
- Anxiety. Huge improvement.
- Irritability- improved, until an estrogen surge hits!
- Memory/ concentration. Huge improvement. At one point, my memory and concentration was so bad, I would literally forget what I was talking about mid sentence. When I am tired, sometimes it is still difficult to speak clearly; It often feels like: Words- Brain-Speak- Blah. But overall, big improvement.
I am also now addicted to strength training. It has helped on so many levels, least of all protecting me against osteoporosis when my hormones finally go. I am a strong girl now, and I like it!
My diet is as erratic as my moods are sadly. Exhaustion and feeling down has contributed largely to this. I am working on creating some balance here as well. It will happen!
Supplements I am also taking, which seem to be helping, include:
- Co Enzyme Q10. Heart health.
- Magnesium powder. Muscle cramp relief.
- Vitamin B complex. Memory and energy.
I am going to get through this, sane and healthy! I will adjust and embrace this crazy new season with joy, even if I have to scream and kick a little along the way :)
I hope this helps other women who may be feeling out of control. You are NOT going crazy. Your body is changing, and that in itself is scary.
That is all for now, dear readers. thanks for your time yet again :)
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