Perimenopause may be the most misunderstood part of a woman’s life. We make a big (ISH) deal of your first and especially your pregnancy, but when ovaries take off, you have helpful discussions about it. “Perimenopause is a turning point that can affect a woman’s long -term health and quality of life,” says Dr. Juanri Jonck, general practitioner at Lifelab in Pretoria. However, resources are available – starting with these tips.
What exactly is perimenopause?
Before the ovaries stop producing estrogen – menopause – there is a transition period called perimenopause. “During the perimenopause, their ovaries release fewer follicles that affect communication between the pituitary gland (in the brain) and the ovaries,” explains Dr. Jonck. “This can lead to massive tips and drops in their well -controlled hormone level.” And that includes the main actors: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, says Dr. Jonck. Perimenopause can take between four and ten years depending on the individual hormone changes.
Read more: The 4 best exercises you have to do through perimenopause
What are the main symptoms of perimenopause?
“Remember that hormones are not just there to create more people. Hormones are messenger molecules that can be found in almost every tissue in the human body,” says Dr. Jonck. Since this large transition period affects all important hormones, practically no part of your body remains unaffected. “First, women are faced with rather unspecific symptoms,” notes Dr. Jonck. “This includes fatigue, forgetfulness, palpitations, itchy ears, itchy scalp, vaginal drought, loss of libido, insomnia, joint pain and mood swings”. And according to research results, women with different ethnic background can have different symptoms, with black women more frequent and more frequent and more intensive symptoms such as hot flush and night sweats.
The symptoms of perimenopause are:
- Irregular or changing menstrual cycles (heavier, lighter, shorter or longer period)
- Heat flashes and night sweat
- Mood fluctuations, anxiety, irritability or depression
- Difficulties to sleep and fatigue
- Memory problems and brain fog
- Lower libido
- Vaginal dryness and urinary tract infections
- Joint and muscle pain
- Weight gain and changes in body composition
At what age do most women start in SA perimenopause?
While global studies provide general old trends, South African data in the late 30s and 40s often show the symptoms of perimenopal symptoms. While global studies provide general old trends, South African studies show that women often begin with the symptoms of perimenopauses in the late 30s and 40s. Studies show that around 14% of South African women notice symptoms in the mid -1930s that increase to around 53% in the forties, with many symptoms that have a significant impact on their lives.
Read more: Why to gain weight during perimenopause?
How is perimenopause diagnosed?
Clinically speaking, early perimenopause is available if seven days have changed within the menstrual cycle, which means that your cycle becomes seven days longer or shorter. But not every woman presents this clean sign. “For this reason, we have to have a high level of suspicion for a woman with symptoms or changes in her menstrual cycle for over 35 years,” says Dr. Joncke. “Usually, when women reach my rooms, they are already in a Smorgasboard of medication, including sleeping boards, antidepressants, lubricants, anti-fear medication and anti-inflammatory inflammation. If they only need hormones.”
The diagnostic process can sometimes take time because the symptoms overlap with other diseases, and women may not immediately recognize the changes as perimenopause. Studies indicate that many women can take a few months to a few years before receiving a formal diagnosis, especially because early symptoms are subtle and are not often discussed openly.
Read more: Train during perimenopause to maintain a healthy body composition
What are the treatment options for perimenopause?
The treatment aims to relieve troubling symptoms and improve the quality of life. Hormone therapy (HT) may be considered highly effective for symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Other medical treatments cannot include hormonal medication for mood changes or vaginal drought.
