Pretty In Pink And Pre-Menopause
More and more the term “pre-menopause” is cropping up in the media and among the health profession. And you thought you just had your period and then menopause to worry about. Pre-menopause usually defined as your entire life before menopause, but more and more it refers to the few years before you start missing periods and getting hot flashes. Some doctors call it “perimenopause”. Whatever you call pre-menopause, it is normal and differs from woman to woman, just like menstruation and menopause. Some women, especially if they have never had children, can start pre-menopause in their 30’s. Some get them in their 50’s. Most women seem to get pre-menopausal in their 40’s. Sometimes chemotherapy or other medical treatments can bring on pre-menopause, no matter what your age.
What Do I Need To Worry About Now?
Usually, you don’t need to see a doctor about pre-menopause. If you start getting some of the symptoms of menopause but still have a mostly regular period, you’ve got pre-menopause. Symptoms include hot sweats, mood swings that are stronger than usual, insomnia, a deeper voice, forgetfulness, inexplicable afternoon fatigue, an increase in tension headaches, strong cravings for sweet or fatty foods and having a drier vagina, no matter how turned on you are. You can have some symptoms or all of them. There are many websites, publications and organizations that help those with menopause. There are also free checklists of pre-menopausal symptoms to help you diagnose yourself. Checking their information about symptoms and suggestions for menopause is just as helpful for those going through pre-menopause.
Basically, what is happening to your body is that the baby-making hormones are decreasing. These hormones are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. These hormones also affect other parts of your body. One part they assist is in keeping your bones strong. You may wish to take more calcium, whether in food or as a supplement, to help offset this side effect of pre-menopause.
If symptoms and side-effects of pre-menopause really detracts from your quality if life, then contact your doctor. He or she might be able to suggest forms of diet, exercise and medicines that can ease your symptoms.
You Are Not Alone
So you have pre-menopause. You are getting older. It’s not the end of the world. There are many online or offline menopause support groups you may want to talk to when you feel like no one could possibly understand what you are going through. Even talking to your doctor may ease your anxiety. And sharing your new pre-menopause symptoms can be a great subject of conversation with your older female relatives. They’ve gone through it - so can you.
