Understanding the Differences Between Perimenopause and Menopause
As women, we undergo many changes throughout our lives, and menopause is one of the most significant. But did you know that menopause is preceded by a stage called perimenopause? This blog post will discuss the differences between perimenopause and menopause, including age, symptoms, and first signs.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage that comes before menopause, typically starting in a woman's 40s but can begin as early as the mid-30s. During perimenopause, your body starts to transition into menopause, and your ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. This reduction in estrogen can cause a range of symptoms that can last for several years before actual menopause sets in.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a stage of life that marks the end of menstruation. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs, and estrogen levels drop dramatically. Menopause is typically diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period, and the average age for menopause is 51 years old.
Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What are the differences?
Age: Perimenopause can start in a woman's mid-30s or early 40s, while menopause typically occurs around age 51.
Symptoms: Perimenopause and menopause share many symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. However, perimenopause can also cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and breast tenderness, while menopause can cause vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and bone loss.
First Signs: The first sign of perimenopause is often changes in the menstrual cycle, such as shorter or longer periods or heavier or lighter bleeding. The first sign of menopause is typically the absence of 12 months.
Duration: Perimenopause can last for several years, while menopause is considered to have occurred once a woman has gone without a period for 12 consecutive months.
Fertility: During perimenopause, a woman's fertility begins to decline, but it is still possible to get pregnant. Once menopause has occurred, a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally.
Living with Perimenopause: Tips and Advice
Perimenopause can be challenging for many women, both physically and emotionally. Here are some tips and advice for managing perimenopause:
Stay Active: Regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, improve mood, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This can be as simple as a daily walk.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, protein and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of weight gain, heart disease, and other health problems.
Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can make perimenopausal symptoms worse. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and establish a regular sleep routine.
Work with a Practitioner, such as myself: If you're experiencing severe symptoms, working with a practitioner helps to combat most symptoms that you are experiencing. You should also talk to your doctor or naturopath about hormone therapy.
In conclusion, perimenopause and menopause are two distinct stages of life that women go through as they age. While both stages share many of the same symptoms, there are some differences in age, symptoms, first signs, duration, and fertility. By understanding the differences between these two stages and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, women can successfully manage perimenopause and transition into menopause with grace and ease.
Working with a holistic health practitioner like myself can be a great way to alleviate symptoms and manage the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. As a holistic practitioner, I take a whole-person approach to health and wellness, considering diet, exercise, stress, and emotional well-being. I provide individualized lifestyle changes, supplements, dietary changes and other natural therapies to address symptoms like weight gain, hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances and more. By addressing the root causes of symptoms and promoting overall wellness, I can help you navigate perimenopause and menopause with greater ease and comfort.