No woman really looks forward to menopause.
What you might not know is that menopause is not something that just happens overnight.
It takes time before your body adjusts to a new way of living.
I know all about this.
I know you will too.
What is menopause anyway?
The end of our fertility is a natural biological process.
Change in period frequency, flow
Before perimenopause, my cycles were like clockwork.
I had my period every 28 days for years.
The first day was heavy, followed by two more days of light flow.
I thought something was wrong.
I had never really given menopause any thought and didn’t think it would begin in my 40s.
Doctors, however, say perimenopause can begin at different ages.
“But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.”
This change happens because the level of estrogen begins to fluctuate during perimenopause.
While my own menstrual cycle shortened, others may experience a longer cycle and very heavy flows.
Heart palpitations, which were really frightening.
Mine lasted about two years.
I’ll still have them from time to time but for awhile it was a multiple-times-a-day occurrence.
Today, they are few and far between.
“But overall, studies show that it’s no better than a placebo.”
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t alternative remedies a try.
Somesupplements that are recommended include phytoestrogens and evening primrose oil.
Changes in sleep patterns
Hot flashes will definitely take a toll on your sleep.
I experienced several each and every night.
But it’s not just the hot flashes that kept me awake.
I found that I was waking up around 4 a.m. every morning, ready for the day.
The North American Menopause Association notes thatthere can be a variety of reasons for perimenopause associated insomnia.
Consult with your doctor to determine how best to address your sleep issues.
It’s hard to describe, but it was as if I was someone else for awhile.
My memory took a bit of a hit, and I had problems focusing on what I was doing.
Doctors say this is common and one that disappears once menopause is established.
Thankfully, I have found this to be true.
And then perimenopause hit, and maintaining my weight became more and more difficult.
Not cool, hormones.
Try adding some weight workouts as well to keep your muscles strong.
It worked for me.
Moodiness and depression
It makes sense, really.
Think about those days before your period when you experience P.M.S.
Well, that happens because our hormones drop just before our periods.
The same thing is occurring during perimenopause, although the drop is not quite as drastic.
I didn’t like the idea of getting older and nothing signaled middle age more than menopause.
Once I made exercise a priority again, my mood returned to normal, as did my outlook.
If your moodiness leans towards depression, consult your physician.
These body changes and symptoms are commonly associated with decreased estrogen,“notes Menopause.org.
“Without sexual activity and estrogen, the vagina can become smaller as well as dryer.”
But these days, I’m free of those debilitating headaches.
I’m also very grateful that I don’t have to deal with my periods anymore.
It’s all came down to my attitude and keeping hopeful.
I no longer worry about my age.
I am a woman.
And I feel great.
