Your Guide to Perimenopause
Even if you’ve never heard about it before…
If you’ve never heard about perimenopause, because they don’t really teach about it in health class, or you think you might be experiencing it and want to learn more…read on for a comprehensive guide to perimenopause.
What is perimenopause?
Let’s begin with the word perimenopause. It means “around menopause” which refers to the time when your body starts naturally transitioning to menopause. It can be referred to as menopausal transition as well.
This transition usually occurs for several years leading up to menopause. Gradually, the ovaries make less estrogen.
But what is estrogen and what does it do? Estrogen is a group of steroid hormones in our bodies that regulates the growth, development, and physiology of the human reproductive system.
Eventually, we drift from perimenopause to menopause, when our ovaries stop releasing eggs altogether.
How old are we when perimenopause starts?
Most women will experience perimenopause sometime in their 40s, however, it can begin in their 30s or even earlier. Unfortunately, there’s no “normal” age when this part of our lives happens. Often women start experiencing perimenopausal symptoms between the ages of 40–44.
What does perimenopause feel like?
You may notice a change in your menstrual flow and the length of the cycle. You might also start experiencing other symptoms including menopause-like symptoms such as:
- irregular periods
- hormonal imbalance
- hot flashes
- mood changes or mood swings
- depression
- decreased fertility
- night sweats
- sleeplessness
- body aches in joints and/or muscles
- brain fog
- changes in sexual desire
- urinating more often
- vaginal dryness
- bone loss
- cholesterol level changes
Can perimenopause be misdiagnosed?
The short answer is, YES, perimenopause can be misdiagnosed. Because it can present with a variety of symptoms, sometimes only some of them are noticeable at times (especially in the beginning). This leads to communication with a physician that may only include a part of the picture and can result in a misdiagnosis.
Unfortunately, there is no simple test at the doctor’s office, sign, or symptom to predict or confirm perimenopause. A variety of information is taken into consideration such as your age, menstrual history, and other body changes you’re experiencing.
Some doctors may order an FSH test to detect elevated levels of FSH in the blood. This can help determine if you’re perimenopausal, but it’s not exact. Instead of heading to the doctor, you can take our free perimenopause quiz to see if the health issues you’re experiencing are actually due to perimenopause.
Can I control perimenopause naturally?
Another short answer for you…YES. Absolutely! There are multiple natural ways to help reduce the symptoms of perimenopause. Once you take the perimenopause quiz, let’s see what you’re experiencing, and we’ll go from there together…we’ll focus on things like nutrition, weight, mineral levels, etc. You’re not in this alone!
I know the struggles and joys of being a woman. We have so much love and power to change the world to make it a better place for everyone. But it starts with taking care of ourselves so that we can be present to everyone and everything else. I can’t wait to help you get to the root of your health issues so you can stop feeling like crap and recapture the joy in your life.
If I didn’t mention this already, perimenopause is very stressful. Take the perimenopause quiz here for your next steps.
