PERIMENOPAUSE
The
basics of the first stage of menopause -- perimenopause.
Did you know that there are actually
three stages of menopause? The fist stage which is the topic of
discussion, is known as perimenopause. This is the stage when the
menopausal symptoms are felt, usually a few years before the actual
menopause. Some experts believe that perimenopause can last from
5-15 years while others say that it is a 3-4 year phase. However,
most women experience menopausal symptoms during perimenopause than
during the actual menopause or after it. A woman still has her
menstrual periods during the perimenopause stage, although these are
very erratic and she may find herself skipping some periods as a
result of fluctuating hormonal levels. This phase usually happens to
a woman between the ages of 35 and 50. Although menopausal symptoms
vary in every woman, she may begin to feel some changes, either
physically or emotionally, during the perimenopause stage. Some
symptoms may be felt gradually over a longer period of time, while
others may notice abrupt changes in a shorter span of time.
A perimenopausal woman may also
start having PMS if she hasn’t had these or her PMS may become more
intense. Menopausal symptoms most commonly felt during this phase
are hot flushes, mood swings, urinary incontinence, and sleep
disorders.
Some health practitioners suggest
using hormonal therapy during the perimenopause stage to replace the
decreasing supply of hormones. Since there are women who do not know
that they have gone through perimenopausal, and they just suddenly
realized that their menstruation have stopped, only a few are able
to address the problems that come with it. There are also women who
have noticed intense menopause symptoms during the perimenopause
stage, but have never asked for medical advice. Some of these
symptoms, if not treated, can lead to surgical procedures. These
surgical procedures, among other things, are responsible for
premature menopause.
Women should pay more attention to
what their bodies say especially if they fall between the menopause
age range. Bone loss is a likely possibility during these years.
Estrogen slows down bone breakdown. So a low level of estrogen
during menopause is likely to lead to osteoporosis unless you act
fast. Although bone loss also happens in men, women have the
tendency to accelerate bone loss more than men do. The perimenopause
phase is when bone density starts decreasing without women knowing
it.
Looking at perimenopause like it’s a
welcome party for something like cancer, will not make the situation
any easier to deal with. To successfully live with perimenopause and
its symptoms would mean seeing your doctor about making lifestyle
modifications and considering hormonal therapy, so a healthier life
will await you during your menopause years.
Back to
Menopause
