Perimenopause Symptoms
Atlanta Women Understanding 15 Perimenopause Symptoms: Transitioning to Menopause
Upated on January 23, 2023 What You Should Understand About Perimenopause Symptoms
It is important to understand that the symptoms of perimenopause take place several years in advance of menopause. Many women are confused by the term, but it is easily identified by certain symptoms that occur while they still have periods. For every woman who lives long enough, menopause is a certainty. We do not want you to obsess about it, but it is wise to mentally and physically prepare for it.
. Perimenopause is the period of transition into menopause and can be a difficult time for many women. During this time, their bodies undergo numerous changes that can cause physical and emotional symptoms. It is important for women to educate themselves on the signs and effects of perimenopause in order to better manage any symptoms they may experience. This article will provide an overview of perimenopause symptoms, including what causes them and how they can be addressed.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is sometimes called the climacteric period. The signs of perimenopause take place several years in advance of menopause. During perimenopause, the ovaries typically change the level of estrogen and progesterone production, which will eventually lead to the final cessation of periods. Perimenopause commonly begins when a woman is in her mid-40s. However, it is possible for some individuals to experience perimenopause in the late 30s. It is reasonable to assume that perimenopause is a completely normal, process. Studies have revealed that in the last one to two years of perimenopause, a woman’s body creates significantly decreased levels of estrogen, eventually leading to complete menopause, around 48 to 50 years of age.
Perimenopause Symptoms
The most commonly reported physical symptom of perimenopause is hot flashes or night sweats. This occurs due to changes in hormone levels, where you may suddenly become hot and sweaty. Another common symptom is irregular periods, which include light spotting or heavy bleeding between menstrual cycles as well as longer or shorter cycle lengths than usual. Other physical signs include fatigue, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, and insomnia.
15 Common symptoms of Perimenopause
The most common 15 symptoms associated with perimenopause are listed below. Be aware that many of these symptoms are also present during menopause:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability and depression
- Feelings of self-doubt or being invisible
- Decreased libido
- Pain during intercourse
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary leakage or urgency
- Muscle and joint pain
Many women will experience several of these early signs of perimenopause. The changes are brought on by reduced levels of hormone production in the body, particularly the reduction of estrogen. Many women wrongly assume that symptoms of menopause will not appear until after their periods stop. Bio-identical hormone replacement and supplements like LaiDex can help relieve perimenopause symptoms!
Causes: Hormonal Changes During Perimenopause
The primary cause of perimenopause symptoms is hormonal changes due primarily to declining levels of progesterone and estrogen. These two hormones play major roles in regulating a woman’s reproductive system and other bodily functions, so their decline can lead women into the stages of menopause such as hot flashes, irregular periods, mood swings, insomnia, or night sweats.
Physical Symptoms: Hot Flashes, Fatigue
Common symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes, fatigue, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
Knowing the physical signs of perimenopause can help women identify if they are entering this transitional period or not. Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms associated with perimenopause as it causes sudden feeling of heat in your body which can last for several minutes. Fatigue also tends to be another common symptom as fluctuating hormones can affect energy levels and make it difficult for a person to restful sleep. Other physical symptoms related to perimenopause include weight gain, heavy periods, headaches, breast tenderness and difficulty sleeping.
Weight gain during perimenopause is often due to changes in progesterone and estrogen in the body. Progesterone is usually produced in lower amounts during this period, causing a decrease in metabolism and muscle mass which can lead to fat storage. Estrogen dominance may also be present during perimenopause; when estrogen levels stay too high without progesterone to balance them out, it can lead to weight gain as well as other issues like headaches or joint pain.
Mental Health: Mood Swings, Anxiety
Mood swings are one of the most common mental health symptoms experienced during perimenopause. They often involve sudden shifts in emotions without warning or explanation. These changes in mood can range from feelings of sadness to irritability, apathy, or euphoria. In some cases, these changes may last for hours or even days before shifting again. Understanding what causes these mood swings and learning how to manage them is key to maintaining emotional well-being throughout this stage of life.
Lifestyle Changes During Perimenopause: Diet, Exercise
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins is important for perimenopausal women to maintain their health while managing uncomfortable symptoms associated with hormone changes. Additionally, participating in regular exercise or physical activity helps reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality and decrease fatigue by releasing endorphins that are known to produce positive feelings.
Hormone Therapy for Perimenopause
Progesterone hormone therapy has proven to be a beneficial tool for women during perimenopause.
Progesterone is a hormone naturally produced in the body, but with age and hormonal shifts, it begins to decrease during perimenopause. This imbalance can lead to irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and even infertility. Supplementing progesterone hormone therapy helps replenish levels of progesterone which can reduce these symptoms associated with perimenopause.
Conclusion: Taking Care of Yourself During Perimenopause
In conclusion, perimenopause is a time of physical, emotional, and mental changes. While it can be an overwhelming experience, understanding the causes and effects of perimenopause symptoms can help you manage them more effectively. Consider speaking with your doctor about any health concerns during this period and discussing strategies for relieving symptoms such as hot flashes or mood swings. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also help to reduce the impact of perimenopause on your daily life.
Treatment for perimenopause in Atlanta GA
If you are concerned about symptoms and you are seeking holistic and natural healthcare, Taylor Medical Wellness in Atlanta, GA is the answer. You will meet Internationally known hormone experts, functional medicine doctors, and healthcare professionals who are focused on providing hormone replacement, anti-aging, aesthetic, and weight loss healthcare to people of all ages. If weight loss is your goal, you will receive a customized weight loss plan that utilizes state-of-the-art testing to access your metabolism and to determine your ideal calorie intake. No guesswork, just an effective program that is specifically tailored to your nutritional needs.
For those interested in disease prevention, we provide testing and treatment for hormonal imbalances, neurotransmitter imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, nutritional deficiencies, and more. We offer nutritional therapy, healthcare screenings, weight loss programs, nutritional supplements, and wellness counseling. Our goal is to help you to reduce your risk of health illnesses that are associated with diet, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle choices. If you have questions about the symptoms of perimenopause, contact us at Taylor Medical Wellness, Weight Loss, and Aesthetic Group.
About Author
Ava Bell-Taylor, M.D
Ava Bell-Taylor, M.D., originally from Atlanta, Georgia, received her Bachelor of Science degree from Spelman College. She later received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her Family Practice training at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia and her psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Bell-Taylor has extensive post-graduate medical training in Functional, Integrative, and Anti-Aging Medicine. She is certified in Functional Medicine. Ava Bell-Taylor, M.D. is a holistic doctor with a focus on functional and integrative medicine. Combining functional medicine with her knowledge of conventional medicine has enabled Dr. Bell-Taylor to help many patients suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, attention-deficient, dementia, and eating disorders. Dr. Bell-Taylor specializes in functional medicine with a special emphasis on how hormone disorders, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and nutritional deficiencies contribute to brain dysfunction, like depression, attention deficiency, anxiety, insomnia, dementia, and other chronic medical illnesses. Dr. Ava Bell- Taylor is the co-author with her husband, Eldred B, Taylor, M.D, of two must-read books, Are Your Hormone Making You Sick? and The Stress Connection: How Adrenal Gland Dysfunction Effects Your Health.