Understanding all about Perimenopause

19 Mar Understanding all about Perimenopause

Many of you think that you know about menopause, but the truth is that most women are not aware or unclear about how long the process actually is, how you can start experiencing symptoms before periods stop. The actual confirmation that a woman has reached menopause comes after a woman has stopped having her period for 12, consecutive months. In the time being, your body goes through perimenopause. Best Gynecologist in Delhi

The Menopause journey begins with Perimenopause

Menopause doesn’t happen overnight; in fact, your body goes through many processes as an increase and decrease in hormones until they finally settle down into a more restful and peaceful post-menopausal state.

Here are some of the things you can expect in perimenopause:

It takes an average of 8 to 10 years

Menopause is a hormonal process and it takes years from start to finish. The average age for women to reach full menopause is 51 years of age. Hence, most of the women started perimenopause in their early 40s. This can also be one of the reasons getting pregnant is much trickier from age 40 onward.

It will possibly start in your 40s

Perimenopause begins most commonly in your early 40s, and women are most likely to go through menopause similarly to their sisters and mother; some women may begin perimenopause in their late 30s also. If you’re experiencing perimenopause symptoms at the age of 35- or younger, you may be going through early menopause, so check in with your gynecologist to be sure because early menopause puts you at risk for other health issues.

Estrogen levels decrease, androgen levels increase.

The perimenopause symptoms you experience are the result of hormonal changes.

• Estrogen levels: Estrogen is the body’s effort to get as many eggs matured as possible will be lower than during the fertile years.
• Progesterone levels: Ovulation is unsteady during this period but when you do ovulate, progesterone levels tend to drop lower than they used to.
• Androgen levels: Male hormone levels increases. Over this period of time, those pesky whiskers appear out of nowhere on your chin and upper lip.

All those hormonal ups and downs take their toll in the form of menopause symptoms.

You’ll know you’re experiencing perimenopause by its symptoms

• Night sweats perimenopause
• A shorter menstrual cycle
• Irritability or moodiness
• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular periods
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Insomnia

You can sustenance the perimenopause process with lifestyle choices

Certain lifestyle choices can reduce the effects of menopause symptoms. Diet is certainly one of them, the foods you eat can make symptoms work or help to alleviate them. Doing regular exercise, particularly for weight management, healthier sleep habits, and mood regulation.

Need support or confirmation that you’re experiencing perimenopause? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Usha M Kumar, the best Gynecologist in Delhi and she’ll support you throughout the journey.