By: Joshua Finley
As you enter your 30s, 40s, and 50s, menopause might be looming in the back of your mind. The question of whether or not you are still in your fertile window can be scary because if not, that means change is coming. It’s never easy to feel like you are out of control when it comes to your health, especially when menopause is on the table. You might feel like you must still get your life together or enjoy the day-to-day. You don’t want to have to deal with menopause, and that’s a perfectly valid feeling to have. But it’s coming whether you want it to or not, so understanding what perimenopause is and the symptoms associated with it can help you take back that power.
The first step is to understand that there is a transition phase before menopause happens, called perimenopause. It’s when your body starts producing fewer hormones, which can make your period more irregular than normal. Once this phase begins, you might notice that your body and mind might be feeling a little different, and that’s because your hormones are out of balance. The key to managing those annoying and uncomfortable symptoms is being able to identify those sneaky first signs of perimenopause.
“For many women, some initial signs may be trouble sleeping or difficulty focusing on tasks. People may experience more anxiety or become agitated more easily. Some women may need to use the restroom more frequently or feel really tired and worn out,” explains Proov CEO Dr. Amy Beckley.
For most women, when they start feeling off, they don’t necessarily attribute their symptoms directly to perimenopause. After all, these symptoms are very similar to PMS or menstrual symptoms, and women can even have hormone imbalances without being perimenopausal. However, it’s essential to think about all the possibilities so that you’re not living with that discomfort longer than you must.
It’s important to remember that every woman is different, and so are their bodies. That’s why research is so important: it can navigate you towards all the possibilities and solutions. Just because one woman might be experiencing hot flashes or weight gain doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it could.
“Others may actually have heavy periods or periods getting closer together as another early symptom. Weight changes, especially extra weight around the middle, are also indicators. These signs are common for a lot of issues, including regular stress. This means that many of us can ignore or not notice these symptoms, but it is important to pay attention to our bodies and what they tell us,” Beckley says.
The more research you do about perimenopause, the more equipped you will be to manage those symptoms. Talking to your doctor or other women, practicing holistic methods, or doing at-home testing are all ways to take back control over your body, especially during perimenopause. Just because you are living with these early signs of perimenopause does not mean you have to live with the discomfort. There are ways to feel as much like yourself as possible during this phase of your life.
Unfortunately, women’s health has been traditionally put on the back burner, so there is not as much education surrounding topics like these. That’s why it is so important to take a little extra time to research and seek out your answers. There are resources out there to help you manage perimenopause. Knowing the early signs can help set an alarm off in your brain. It’s like studying for a test. The more you know about the subject, the faster you can find solutions and answers to the problem. You don’t have to let perimenopause have power. Instead, you can take control.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any health concerns or questions, always consult a physician or other healthcare professional.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
