Is it Perimenopause?

06/10/03

Peri-menopause is a confusing time for women. This time is a distinct transition between the reproductive years and cessation of menses. This article will explain and offer treatment options for this often frustrating transition.

The World Health Organization defines the onset of the peri-menopause as the beginning of menstrual cycle changes. Early peri-menopause changes include the first break in regular cycling of menses. Late peri-menopause is classified after missing 3 to 11 months of menses, while menopause is reached after 12 months of no menstrual flow. Women usually notice the onset of peri-menopause symptoms during their 40's and irregularities usually persist for approximately 5 years.

The range of peri-menopause symptom duration may be quite variable, from 2 to 8 years, or even longer. In general, the later in life that peri-menopause symptoms begin, the shorter the transition to menopause. The hormonal changes taking place probably represent the major cause of symptoms experienced. These changes can produce many symptoms that are traditionally thought to only occur after menopause. Changes during peri-menopause probably results from a decrease in the number of ovarian follicles (eggs) remaining and the hormonal fluctuations from one cycle to another. This hormonal fluctuation is best described as a 'roller coaster' of hormone production and invariable plays a role in symptom production.

Contrary to popular belief, the peri-menopause may be associated with elevations of estrogen levels. However, these elevations are generally followed by abrupt falls in estrogen levels.

The constantly changing hormone levels of the peri-menopause can precipitate significant hot flashes and night sweats. The 'peaks and valleys' of estrogen production during the hormonal 'roller coaster' invariably contribute to these symptoms. Other medical conditions commonly seen during the peri-menopause years that can mimic these symptoms are thyroid irregularities and diabetes.

Other commonly described changes during this transition are related to changes in estrogen production. Vaginal thinning can lead to discomfort, itching and dryness, and pain with sexual relations. Urinary complaints include burning, urgency and frequent urination. Mood changes are very common during this transition and include irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and frustration. Hormonal fluctuations may contribute to these symptoms, although many other reasons can be identified as a contributor to these symptoms. In numerous instances, balancing a career, marriage, elderly parents and adolescent children contribute to these hormonal fluctuations.

The most common early menstrual irregularity noticed in the peri-menopause is a shortening of cycle length. Women with prior 28 day cycles will commonly describe 24 to 26 day cycles during the early peri-menopause. Eventually, the cycle length widens and skipping menses typically occurs. These changes in cycle may lead to heavier flow in the early peri-menopause, followed by a lighter flow and occasional spotting in the later peri-menopause.

The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 to 52 years of age, therefore the peri-menopause may start as early as 40 to 45 years of age. Clinically, many practitioners note a continuum in certain patients. Patients with significant premenstrual symptoms at 30 to 40 years of age often proceed to peri-menopausal symptoms. Therefore, many of the treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are effective for the peri-menopause. According to the "Study of Women Across the Nation", irritability and fatigue are common features of the peri-menopause. Diminished libido and hot flashes also occur with relative frequency. These hot flashes may be the classic, intense ones that leave women drenched afterwards.....or they may be milder with a sensation of warmth and minor sleep disturbances.

The most bothersome symptoms of peri-menopause, fatigue, low libido and mood swings symptoms can be reduced or eliminated with certain dietary changes. Eliminating foods that stress your body such as refined carbohydrates, caffeine, and alcohol will allow your hormones to regulate themselves more easily and not uncontrollably, plummet and rise. This hormonal yo-yo is what causes the peri-menopausal discomforts such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and loss of libido. Because peri-menopausal symptoms have been shown to be so closely related to nutrition, dietary supplements that compensate for our numerous dietary defects are a woman's best choice at this time.

Be sure to read about MACA750™. Maca is the herb that has been shown to contain large amounts of the nutrients needed by perimenopausal and menopausal women. MACA750™ is the herb that was used in the clinical study that demonstrated its' ability to increase libido.

To order MACA750™ from the Medicine Plants™ FDA certified GMP facility use the secure order page by clicking on MACA750™ at the top of this page.

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Medicine Plants™

Health Disclaimer! The information presented on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. You should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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