Perimenopause age is a time of change in a
woman’s life and is known as the time leading up to menopause. Menopause marks
the end of a woman's reproductive years, which can bring on many emotions, some
good and bad. Symptoms and body changes can begin in your 40s, but some women can
experience changes as early as mid-30s. Read more about perimenopause age so
you can breeze through midlife changes:
What are the Stages of Menopause?
There are three stages in the slow transition towards the end of a female's period cycle.
1. Perimenopause
2. Menopause
3. Post Menopause
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the earliest stage of the menopausal cycle. It usually begins 3-5 years before the actual menopause. However, medical studies show that hormonal changes may appear 8-10 years before menopause.
What Happens During Perimenopause?
Perimenopause characterizes a significant drop in estrogen levels – the primary sex hormone produced by the ovaries for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. The perimenopausal period lasts till menopause, to a point where estrogen levels fall so low that ovaries stop releasing eggs completely. This usually occurs in the last 1-2 years and during this time a woman starts experiencing menopausal symptoms.
How Long Does Perimenopause Last?
The duration of perimenopause differs for every woman. While the average length is four years, some women may experience perimenopause for just a few months or even a lengthy span of 10 years. This transitional period is complete when a woman goes 12 months in a row without getting her period.
Common Signs of Perimenopause
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Breast tenderness
Muscle aches
Irregular periods
Vaginal dryness
Discomfort during sex
Elevated heart rate
Mood changes (irritability, anxiety)
Loss of sex drive
Inability to fall asleep/insomnia
Incontinence (lack of control over urination, especially while sneezing or coughing)
When Does Menopause Occur?
Menopause occurs when the female reproductive system comes to a halt. At this point, the ovaries stop releasing eggs altogether, and a woman cannot reproduce anymore. This stage arrives when a woman goes a whole year without menstrual bleeding, without the interference of any external surgery or treatment. On average, most women experience menopause at the age of 51.
Common Signs of Menopause
While the occurrence and frequency of menopausal symptoms may vary, the most common ones are listed below. Some women may start experiencing these symptoms during perimenopause.
Hot flashes
Night sweating
Insomnia
Fatigue
Mood swings
Dry skin
Vaginal dryness
Frequent urination
Treatment for Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
Fortunately, there are ways to ease the discomfort that women experience due to perimenopause symptoms. Since sleep irregularity is a major problem that may even adversely affect mood, it helps to exercise for 30 minutes daily before going to bed to release 'feel-good' hormones and induce a sound night's sleep.
Urinary incontinence can be a bane for women, especially when they're out. Women can evade the hassle and embarrassment of this premenopausal symptom by wearing absorbent and odor-control underwear with a leak-proof barrier. These comfortable and discreet panties are a perfect solution and will give women much needed peace of mind by preventing unwarranted 'accidents' at work, on a date, or at a special event.
What are Hot Flashes?
Out of all the signs listed above, a large fraction of women, roughly 75%, experience hot flashes and sweating as one of the top three common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. A hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth, especially in the upper body, including the face, neck, ears, and chest.
Signs of a Hot Flash
Hot flashes cause the skin to redden and create an overall feeling of uneasiness. Hot flashes also cause sweating and usually occur during the night, inducing anxiety and disrupting sleep. Since a hot flash causes loss of body heat, one may even experience chills shortly after.
Menopause Relief
Since a hot flash is one of the most frequent and unnerving symptoms of perimenopause, there are natural remedies to mitigate this uncomfortable experience. Women can use a soft, plush cooling pillow that instantly cools down any part of the body, alleviating the incidence of hot flashes and night sweating.
Women can also wear pajamas and lounge wear made from Tencel, a cooling material that will keep the body temperature down during the day and night. It offers natural breathability, ensuring you don't feel suffocated during a hot flash.
What Happens Post Menopause?
The postmenopausal period begins after a woman stops getting her period. At this point, the hormone levels remain low, and a woman will no longer be able to reproduce. Post menopause is a more settling period in a woman's life where symptoms like hot flashes reduce significantly as well. However, with this freedom, some women may be more susceptible to the following conditions, especially in their 60s and onwards:
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Osteoporosis
Urinary tract infection
Depression
But with the right lifestyle, women can avert many of these risks. Women in the postmenopausal period can significantly benefit from a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a stress-free outlook towards life.
Perimenopause Age – Breezing Through Midlife Changes
Every female can benefit from a deeper understanding of the menopausal cycle and what to expect before, during, and after menopause. The transition to menopause can be unsettling for women as it is accompanied by a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes. However, with the right natural remedies and regular exercise, women can mitigate the discomfort of these symptoms and breeze through these natural stages in every woman's life like a forced to be reckoned with!