Like the lyrics to the smash hit by Nelly in 2002, IT’S GETTIN’ HOT IN HERRE! Unlike him, I am not going to be instructing anyone to remove their clothes. Instead, I am going to ask you to take a second and look at where you are both in age and health. It could be perimenopause.
You see, I am 38. I am not ashamed to admit my age. My 38 years haven’t always been kind to me, but at other times, they have been the absolute best years anyone could ask for. One of the other girls on the blog asked us all if we had any experience with Perimenopause and, if so, would we be willing to write about it.
Some of you reading this may know precisely what it is, or you may even be “in the thick of it” at this very moment. Other ladies may be scratching your head, wondering just what perimenopause is. I admit I had heard the term before but really didn’t understand what all it entailed. That was all until I did a quick google search and took a little quiz or two that I realized that some of the things that I have been experiencing for the past year or so were really perimenopause. So thank you, Claire, for enlightening me.
I know if you are anything like me, you are questioning one basic thing. What are the symptoms of Perimenopause? Well, stick around because boy, do I have a list for you.
Symptoms: What you will notice first and what you might miss.
First/Most Common Symptoms:
- Hot Flashes
- Headaches
- Irregular periods
- Issues with Concentration
- Night Sweats (thanks to Hot Flashes)
- Insomnia
- Mood Swings
Less Noticeable Symptoms:
- Cold Flashes
- Issues with your skin
- Body Odor
- Change in taste buds
- Loss of Bone Mass
- Change in vision
- Hair Loss
All the symptoms above can easily be linked to one thing: a change in your hormones. While knowing the symptoms are very important, they are only half the battle. So what is the other half of this magic equation? Treatment is the easiest way to put it. Just like with any other ailment, there are steps you can take to help get yourself to feeling better and back to a less “hormonal” you.
Photo Cred: Minnie Pauz
If, while you have been reading this, you feel like you have checked several boxes, your first step should be a call to your gynecologist. Blood work can be done to confirm that you are potentially in perimenopause. Your doctor will address hormone levels and thyroid function, along with your menstrual cycle and other symptoms, to determine if you are truly in perimenopause. Once the diagnosis has been made, there are a whole host of things that you can do. Your physician may want you to try a prescription hormone replacement therapy. Or they may suggest an over-the-counter option such as Amberen or Estroven, depending on where your hormone levels and symptoms fall. That will be a decision for you and your doctor to make.
So what else can you do to help ease the slide into those post-baby-making years? There are several non-medicinal options to help lessen the symptoms of the change.
- Changes to your diet can make a world of difference. If you are looking to add things to your kitchen that will help, add yogurt, Omega-3 fish oils, high fiber foods, and organic fruits and vegetables.
- Adding in new forms of exercise can help ward off some of the aches and pains associated with perimenopause. Swimming and yoga have been shown to be just a few forms of exercise that will boost your endorphins and, in turn, will help with that blah mood.
- If possible, do what you can to reduce your stress. I know this one is definitely easier said than done. Not only will your mind feel better with less stress, your body will too.
Books to Check Out:
So obviously, I have a lot to learn about perimenopause and what to expect in the coming years. Here are a few of the books I have found to be so helpful so far:
Perimenopause: The Savvy Sister’s Guide to Hormone Harmony by Dr. Anna Garrett
What Fresh Hell Is This?: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You by Heather Corinna
A Strange Period by Sheryl Gurrentz and Cindy Singer
Photo Cred: Heather Corinna
While this is in no way the end all be all of the perimenopause information, I hope it helps to get a few of you on the road to feeling better and more like you used to. Perimenopause is not something to be feared. In fact, it should be celebrated. You made it through those years of creating one or more of the most amazing masterpieces ever possible, your child(ren). So sit back, take in your blessings, gather your thoughts and prepare for the new road ahead.
