Am i in perimenopause?

Navigating hormonal changes at any point of life can be frustrating and confusing.  Puberty, the start of your period, going on birth control, coming off it, pregnancy and post partum.  Perimenopause is another time in life when your hormones start to shift.  Sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes it’s like a tidal wave.  But either way, it’s a new reality that can be hard to swallow and adjust to.  

For most women, perimenopause starts between the ages of 40-44, but for some it can start as early as your 30’s. It is marked by changes in menstrual flow and in the length of your cycle. This lasts until your period completely stops for a full year, at which time you have officially entered menopause (commonly in your early 50’s).

What can be frustrating about perimenopause is that there is a diverse number of symptoms that can result from these hormone fluctuations.  This very reason leads it to be quickly dismissed by many medical professionals.

Here is an incomplete list of symptoms that can be considered part of perimenopause:

• Shortened time between menstrual cycles
• Heavier and more painful bleeding
• Increased clots
• Night sweats
• Brain fog and issues with memory
• Headaches and migraines
• Depression and/or anxiety that seems to come and go without reason
• Insomnia
• Urinary discomfort and increased frequency
• Decreased libido and/or vaginal dryness
• Increased cholesterol and blood sugar imbalance
• Weight gain, especially in the abdomen
• Thinning hair
• Muscle and joint aches
• Itchy skin
• More obvious body odour
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Allergies
• A feeling that you must be going crazy!!  (just kidding…kinda).

There is a misconception that perimenopause is a state of declining estrogen.  Although this is somewhat true, early perimenopause is considered a time of elevated estrogen, aka estrogen dominance. This is what leads to the heavier periods.  Later on, estrogen starts to decline, but there may be sudden surges in estrogen as the ovaries sputter back to life.  This can cause  a sudden return of uncomfortable symptoms.  It can feel like a literal rollercoaster!  

Unfortunately, you can’t stop your body from going through this process. But the good news is, there are things you can do to make the transition easier!

Conventionally, hormonal IUD’s are the most common recommendation for treating heavy or painful menstrual bleeding.  Although they have a place and might be necessary for some women, there are other naturopathic options you may want to try first before getting an IUD.  Bioidentical hormones are another option that is becoming a more accepted approach, especially for symptoms unrelated to the menstrual cycle itself (like insomnia and anxiety for example).  Speak with myself or your family doctor if this option interests you.  

As a Naturopath, I can help nudge your hormones into a more balanced and less uncomfortable state through the use of supplements, herbs, acupuncture, nutrition and lifestyle changes. Lab testing can also help us identify if it’s truly your hormones or if there is something else going on. You don’t need to join a perimenopause support group just yet!  Let’s chat and see if we can bring you some relief. 

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