Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the phase before menopause actually takes place, when ovarian hormone production is declining and fluctuating, causing a host of symptoms. There is no precise timetable for perimenopause, as each woman has her own biologic clock. Generally speaking, though, perimenopause can start as early as age 35 and end as late as 55.

For some women, perimenopause bears a striking resemblance to adolescence. When you were a teenager, you more than likely experienced irregular menstrual cycles and mood swings. And, once again, you are experiencing those same feelings, but this time it’s because your reproductive life is coming to a close rather than gearing up. Your ovaries, where ova (eggs) and the hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced, now contain far fewer eggs, and hormone levels are changing. That’s why some experts refer to perimenopause as “puberty in reverse.”

The hormonal changes that make up perimenopause tend to take place in 3 stages. The first is marked by the dominance of estrogen, as progesterone levels fall. The feelings are like those experienced during PMS (premenstrual syndrome), including breast tenderness, cramping, and bloating. You feel cranky and tearful. During the second stage, estrogen levels also drop, causing such symptoms as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, migraines, insomnia, and heart palpitations. Late perimenopause is the third stage. Both estrogen and progesterone levels are nearly as low as they are in menopause. Some of your symptoms may ease, although others may persist into menopause.

In addition to irregular periods, mood swings, and the symptoms noted above, you may experience other symptoms during perimenopause:

• loss of sex drive (libido)
• night sweats
• fatigue
• loss of concentration
• weight gain, particularly at the waist
• vaginal infections
• frequent urination or lack of urinary control
• urinary tract infections
• dry or thinning hair, itchy skin

This is the perfect time to begin judicious estrogen/progesterone/testosterone therapy; thereby, guaranteeing the replacement of a failing internal supply of the essential hormones needed to restore your health and well-being.

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