Perimenopause/ Menopause |
What you are feeling is normal. It is the natural transition in a woman's life called perimenopause. It's the process your body goes through to end the functioning of your ovaries (menopause is when you have gone a year without a period, not the time leading up to it). This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but every woman has her own biological clock. During perimenopause you may experience a variety of changes due to hormonal shifts:
- Irregular menstrual cycles - shorter with heavier bleeding
- Breast changes - variations in tenderness or fullness
- Emotional fluctuation
- Difficulty concentraing
- Joint and muscle pain
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Vaginal dryness due to decreased estrogen
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Decreasing fertility
Unfortunately, most women fear this life cycle. They anticipate their lives becoming an emotional roller coaster, affecting their relationships and testing their sanity. The word "hot flash" creates visions of embarrassing situations with profuse sweating, anxiety and helplessness. They may feel they are losing control of their life. Menopause becomes a disease to be tolerated until it "passes."
This doesn't need to be how it will be for you. Talk to your doctor. Discuss your symptoms and concerns. Together you can determine which treatment options are best for you. Menopause is manageable. Don't let any part of your life "pass" by! |
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