As a woman in my forties, I have started to have the first signs of perimenopause. Quite a few of my friends and friends of friends are going through this stage too.
The first change I noticed was a change to my menstrual cycle. There have been other changes too - I have put on a bit of weight around the middle, which is proving difficult to shift. I also feel warmer than usual, which at the moment I do not mind, as I have always been a ‘chilly’ person.
What is the first symptom of perimenopause?
The first symptom is likely to be a change in your menstrual cycle. Your period may start earlier or later than usual. You may have a month period free and then find that the period is heavier next month.
Perimenopause is a vague time period surrounding the last years of a woman’s reproductive life. It begins with irregular periods.
There are 2 stages to perimenopause. The first is the early transition when the cycles are more or less regular. The second stage is the late transition when there are no periods for many months.
The reason for these transitions is because the ovaries are slowly beginning to make less oestrogen. Changes come on so gradually initially, that you may not be aware that you are perimenopausal.
The Path towards menopause
Perimenopause begins several years before menopause. A good way to look at the difference between perimenopause and menopause is to see it as a path towards menopause.
What are the signs of perimenopause?
Other than having irregular periods, the classic symptom of menopause is the hot flush.
There may be many other physical symptoms, such as night sweats, sleep disorders, hair loss or thinning, weight gain, headaches, vaginal dryness, digestive issues including nausea, constipation, and bloating.
There may be emotional symptoms during perimenopause due to changes in hormones, such as worse PMT (pre-menstrual tension), fatigue, memory problems, poor concentration, mood swings, depression, or unexplained anxiety.
Are you going through the perimenopause?
How will you know when you have reached the menopause?
You will know when you have reached menopause as you would not have had a period for 12 months. You are then classed as ‘post-menopausal’.
Once you have reached this stage, the hormone, Progesterone, is no longer produced. But there are still fluctuations in the hormone, oestrogen. After a year post-menopause, oestrogen levels re-stabilise at their permanent post-menopausal levels.
You may either have very few symptoms post-menopausally, or you may continue to experience some symptoms. During this stage menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, usually ease off, and the frequency and intensity lessens.
Did you know that homeopathy has a good track record in dealing with menopausal symptoms?
A study on the effectiveness of homeopathy shows the success of homeopathic treatments for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Homeopathic therapy was found to be useful in relieving menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, palpitation, depression, or insomnia.
See further information on homeopathy and menopausal symptoms. I have written a few posts about menopause, which may be of interest to you.
To obtain a 'Menopause Relief Naturally' guide, download here.
"I was suffering with hay fever and menopausal symptoms and unable to get a GP appointment then luckily along came Naziana. She took a holistic assessment of both me as a person and my symptoms. The pills arrived promptly with clear instructions. We have had subsequent appointments and the treatment was titrated according to my response. I have felt so much better both in mind and in body since starting my course of treatment with Naziana, I am so please to have found such a caring homeopathic practitioner."
If you would like to discuss homeopathy for perimenopausal symptoms, feel free to book a free discovery call with me or email me.
Is homeopathy for you?
Homeopathy is used all over the world for so many health issues. Homeopathy may be used to balance out your hormones and change your perimenopausal symptoms. Whether you have a big health issue that is stopping you from getting on with your life, or niggly health 'annoyances', feel free to contact me if you think I may be able to help.
I am always happy to hear from you.
Naziana x