Perimenopause

“If you’re in your 40s, you may, like I did, hear your friends complain about endometriosis, (which may become more apparent and painful in women who are already suffering from this health issue, in the years approaching menopause, the transition known as perimenopause, but then subside and even disappear afterwards) sudden weight gain, especially around the middle, becoming thicker rather than fatter, changing shape, mixed-up thinking and feelings, uterine fibroids, and migraines. These are telltale signs, warning signs or menopause symptoms.”

Perimenopause has a habit of sneaking up on you when you least expect it! In fact, whilst many people are aware of the menopause, the perimenopause or early menopause is less well known.

What is the perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the precursor to menopause, and marks the beginnings of hormonal decline. This is when your body is in a state of hormonal imbalance, which potentially has dangerous consequences; the female sex hormones, oestrogen(s) and progesterone levels fluctuate daily, causing inconsistent surges. It is these surges that cause symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, mood swings, hot flushes, lack of sex drive, sleeplessness, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, etc. Symptoms are warning signs, telling us all is not well within the body.

When does the perimenopause start?

Perimenopause usually begins five to ten years prior to menopause, the standard age for menopause being fifty-one. Although, women today are entering perimenopause earlier, due to high-stress levels and toxicity. For the majority, perimenopause usually starts in your 40s, but can start as early as your 30s.

How long does the perimenopause last?

The truth is that it varies from woman to woman. The average length is about 5 to 10 years. Perimenopause ends when you have not had a menstrual cycle for 12 months.

What are the signs of the perimenopause?

If you are in the perimenopause it is likely you will experience at least some of the following symptoms. Conventional doctors make a diagnosis based on your age and symptoms, whereas restorative doctors consider symptoms but also request various and intricate blood tests, at six monthly intervals, to check hormone levels are balanced and at optimal ranges.

Restorative medicine gets to the root cause, it treats the cause not the symptom!