Perimenopause: Recognizing the Symptoms

While most women are aware they will experience menopause when they grow older, many are not prepared for the changes in the body up to 7 years before menopause begins. This change is called perimenopause and can begin to show symptoms in women as early as age 35 although it generally begins around the mid-40's. While most women will experience some or all of the symptoms at varying levels, women who are overweight, smoke, generally experience severe PMS or are overly stressed seem to experience more severe and frequent symptoms. If you experience some or all of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about lifestyle and diet changes you can make or natural medicines you can take to reduce their severity.

Skipping Periods or Experiencing Irregular Cycles

The estrogen levels in your body are lowering and could be causing you to have fewer or irregular periods that can be lighter or heavier than normal. You are not considered to be in complete menopause until you have experienced no periods for over 12 months.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

According to the article Perimenopauseby the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, 65 to 75% of women will experience hot flashes during perimenopause. The severity of the hot flashes can vary from just feeling warm to breaking out into a sweat and having heart palpitation. They can last only seconds to over 10 minutes each. Night sweats occur much like hot flashes except late at night, causing sleep interruption. Researchers have found that women who smoke, are overweight or are African American tend to experience hot flashes and night sweats more than other women do.

Changes in Mood or Behavior

According to the article Is it Perimenopauseby Laurie Tarkan in the October 2009 issue of Prevention Magazine, 40% of women experience mood swings during perimenopause. Anger, irritability, sadness and depression are all moods that women can experience in mild to severe forms. Sleep disruption due to night sweats may be responsible for mood changes as well as hormone imbalance.

Memory and Concentration Problems

Researchers reported in the May 2009 issue of Neurology that 60 % of women experience short-term memory loss, have trouble learning and have problems with concentration during perimenopause. The good news is that these issues are not permanent and their memory abilities go back to normal during post-menopause.

Decrease in Libido and Experiencing Dryness and Infections

Low estrogen levels can cause some women to lose their desire for sex and experience dryness that can make sexual relations uncomfortable. The vaginal lining also becomes thinner which makes you more vulnerable to urinary and vaginal infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, low libido is temporary and most women who experienced a good sexual desire before perimenopause will probably continue to have it throughout menopause and beyond.

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Lower estrogen levels can increase bad (LDL) cholesterol and decrease good (HDL) cholesterol in your system. This, along with weight gain in the belly area, increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Now more than ever is the time to eat healthy, watch your weight and quit smoking.

Ways to Control the Symptoms

Women may not be able to completely relieve the symptoms of perimenopause but there are some ways to control the symptoms from becoming severe. Eating a healthy diet low in fat and high in calcium will help to keep cholesterol down and fight against bone loss. At this age you need fewer calories to maintain your current weight, so it is suggested to lower your calorie intake by 50-100 calories a day. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week will help keep your weight down, your heart healthy and your bones and muscles strong. Taking a B-complex vitamin every day can help with mood and anxiety problems. Adding 100 milligrams of soy each day to your diet either through food or soy isoflavones supplements (50 milligrams a day in capsule form) can help to balance your hormone levels and reduce symptoms.

Perimenopause can be uncomfortable but it is controllable. Talk to your doctor about safe and healthy ways to control the severity of your perimenopause symptoms.