Manage Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a natural stage of life for women. It typically runs as a 3 to 5 year span before menopause hits, and is brought on by a drop in estrogen levels. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause include changes in the menstrual cycle, hot flashes, breast tenderness, irritability, sudden fatigue, itchy skin, achy joints and gastrointestinal discomfort. Even though these symptoms are common and brought on by natural life cycles, the fact remains that they are uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. There are ways to manage perimenopausal symptoms. With guidance from a physician, women can study these alternatives and decide on a management plan that is right for them.

Things You'll Need

• Appointment with a physician or naturopathic doctor
• Information on herbs
• Exercise plan
• Nutritious food

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Since perimenopause is brought on by a change in hormone levels, one way to manage this phase is through HRT or hormone replacement therapy. To do this you need to make an appointment with your physician, who will do hormone testing to be sure that your symptoms are a result of the onset of perimenopause. Blood test results will allow the physician to determine what type of HRT is best for you.

• 2

  Many women are apprehensive about HRT due to the negative side effects of some of the synthetic hormones used. For this reason, NHRT is also an option. NHRT is natural hormone replacement therapy. The hormones used in this therapy are derived from natural sources and have limited or no negative side effects. Naturopathic physicians will also run tests to see what hormones need to be regulated in your system and will work with you to develop a NHRT plan.

• 3

  With the demand for holistic approaches to healing, herbs are another popular alternative to managing perimenopause. Even though they are natural, herbs can be very powerful and toxic and need to be used in moderation and with extreme caution. Every body reacts differently to herbs and what has a mild effect on one person could produce a severe reaction in another. Before taking herbs to relieve your perimenopausal symptoms, study up on them and consult an herbalist.

• 4

  Exercise is one of the very best ways to manage perimenopause. Resistance exercises such as lifting weights strengthens bones and helps build up their density at a time when bone loss is beginning to happen at a rapid pace. Building muscle also burns more calories which helps prevent weight gain, another side effect of perimenopause. Exercise also contributes to increased production of hormones which help regulate sleep and the stress responses, alleviating symptoms such as sleeplessness and irritability and mood swings.

• 5

  A nutritious diet helps the body function at its optimal ability. Cells need proper nutrition to carry out their tasks, and when the nutritional needs of our bodies are not met the cells can not perform as they are meant to. They help transmit signals to the brain that trigger body responses such as mood swings, cravings and even hormone production. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains gives the body the proper nutritional support it needs. Limiting processed foods also relieves negative stress placed upon the body.