Menopause – Is it Peri?
Peri-menopause is the mixture of a Woman’s body beginning to cross yet another age marker, and symptoms that every woman will notice around 10-15 years before actually going through menopause. It’s kind of like a dress rehearsal for the big show.
For women in their 30’s or 40’s, menopause is the last word they want to hear and the last thing they want to think about. No one wants to admit that they’re at that stage of their life yet, even if it is just the pre-menopause stage. It feels too soon, especially when women around you may still have babies or small children at that age. And yet, you can tell your body doesn’t feel 100% normal. You’re not eating any differently, but you started gaining weight, your breasts are sore, and your periods are becoming irregular. Your skin is dry and your sex drive just isn’t what it used to be. You’re irritable, tired, and getting headaches. So, what’s the deal, what is happening?
Pre-menopause is what’s happening. Symptoms that come along with pre-menopause are basically the same as those that go with menopause: PMS, endometriosis, fibroids, tender and sore breasts, fatigue, irritability, depression, foggy thinking, sudden weight gain, having a hard time conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to full term, memory loss, migraine headaches, light or very heavy periods, spots, bleeding in between periods, and cold hands and feet. While it is a pretty long list, chances are you won’t have every single symptom, but instead just a select few.
These symptoms are caused by hormone imbalances, mostly from having too much of the hormone estrogen and not enough of the hormone progesterone. These symptoms are not just scientific and medical, they are also heightened or increased by stress.
Other early signs you may notice are insomnia and night sweats. You may have trouble falling asleep or find you are awake often throughout the night. These are forms of insomnia and you should talk to your doctor about it sooner rather than later. Do not wait until you are completely exhausted. You need your rest, especially now.
Night sweats may not seem like a big deal and in the grand scheme of the symptoms of menopause you will experience, they may not be. But it can be disconcerting to wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, and have to get up and change your pajamas and the linens on your bed.
Perimenopausal symptoms can last for as long as ten years before you are actually considered, ‘”n menopause”. Menopause is when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
You would think that all the symptoms would be done then, wouldn’t you? Not so at all, you will still experience the hot flashes, the nausea, the mood swings, the food cravings, the decreased interest in sex and the fun doesn’t stop there. No, the further into menopause, the more varied the symptoms get, which may even include vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy.
Every woman is different and so are the signs she will experience. Some of you may just sail through menopause completely unscathed, while others will have severe symptoms and need assistance in finding effective treatments.
You will no doubt be looking for ways to treat your symptoms and there are several natural ways to start. Herbal supplements are big weapons in the war your hormones are waging on you. Things like Black Cohosh and Valerian Root help with hot flashes and help you sleep better. St John’s Wort can help with the mood swings.
When it comes to using essential oils and supplements, I have found great relief and support by using doTERRA’s Life Long Vitality pack AND the supplements formulated specifically for Women: Bone Nutrient Complex and Phytoestrogen Essential Complex. I also use a few essential oils every single day as part of my Hormonal Wellness Plan. Balance essential oil, Clary Calm and Whisper. Here are some great articles on all of the above referenced items:
Women’s Hormonal Health:
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/brochures-magazines-living-winter-2013-2014-womens-hormonal-health
Phytoestrogen Essential Complex
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-phytoestrogen-lifetime-complex
Bone Nutrient Essential Complex
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-bone-nutrient-lifetime-complex
Please consider ALL options when formulating your Hormonal Health Plan and talk with your doctor, find out what they recommend. Your doctor will probably talk to you about Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT. While HRT is the most common treatment for symptoms of menopause, it can increase you risk for heart attack and stroke, breast and ovarian cancer. Consider all options, including your natural alternatives or a combo of both options. Your Hormonal Journey will be as unique as you are.
In health and wellness,
Kat
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