About Menopause and Perimenopause

For most women, menopause is a familiar term however perimenopause isn't. It is the process of change which cause menopause and it can begin as early as your late 30's or as late as your early 50's. How long this phase lasts is varies however it normally lasts from 2 to 8 years and you may have irregular periods or other menopause symptoms during this time. In this article, we'll explain menopause and perimenopause and its impact on your health.

Women often started to realize their menopause symptoms between the ages of 35 and 45 but both menopause and hormonal changes seem to go hand in hand. Most women who go through premenopause experience changes in their menstrual cycle but some of them start having longer cycles as they aren't ovulating as frequently. When the levels of estrogen start to drop, the follicular phase of the cycle may reduce and this will shorten the total cycle from 28 - 30 days to 24 - 26 days resulting in more frequent periods. This fluctuating or declining level of estrogen can produce a host of menopause symptoms such as mood swing, hot flashes, increasing vaginal dryness and many other complications.

Sudden mood changes are the most common symptoms of menopause and you may feel depressed, sad or anxious. Some doctors believe that this is linked to a drop in the levels of estrogen and other factors such as diet, smoking, sleep habits and physical inactivity which will influence your mood. As it's perfectly normal to get a case of the blues, depression which may continues for more than 2 weeks can indicate an issue.

If you do having these menopause symptoms on a continuous basis, then you should consult your doctor. He will suggest a course of medication and lifestyle changes which can help you to feel better. It is very important that describe all of your menopause symptoms to your doctor so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.

Some specific menopause treatments will be determined by your doctor according to your age, medical history and overall health. Besides your doctor will also take into account your specific menopause symptoms and the treatment preferences. Generally, menopause treatments can include low-dose birth control pills to keep the levels of hormone more constant, antidepressants to stabilize the mood swings and the changes of your lifestyle. This could include regular exercise, dietary modifications and abstaining for smoking or drinking. You may also consult a homeopathic doctor or a dietitian for natural treatments.

Treating premenopause and menopause symptoms needs active participation from the patient. Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your activities and meals so that they can identify things which may trigger adverse menopause symptoms. Even sometimes it can be something as innocuous and routine as a cup of coffee or a spicy meal. While this time can be unpleasant and confusing, women are encouraged to work with their doctor to deal with their menopause symptoms.