Perimenopause is a state in which you feel you are lost entirely. The body starts to show different changes physically and emotionally as it prepares to get into the effects of menopause.
Such signs are only common, but what makes the experience unique to every woman is how such changes can be confounding. What's important is what tests can confirm that those changes are indeed perimenopause. Several women's health tests can validate the subject of perimenopause.
This educational article sheds light on the notion of perimenopause, the associated symptoms, hormonal changes, and management strategies with great emphasis on perimenopause tests that come in very handy in your journey towards managing perimenopause symptoms.
What Is Perimenopause: A Quick Introduction
Perimenopause is that crucial time between the two significant life changes of menopause—when the bleeding stops—and the time when the body goes under the effect of a decline in ovarian hormone production. It is this natural end to reproductive years and most often commences in the early to mid-forties.
However, the onset of this period in life may start for some women as early as the mid-30s or as late as the mid-50s. The way it starts and the duration of this period differ, with some experiencing it for just a few months while others may be in it for several years.
Symptoms recognised at an early stage give a better chance for proper management and a smooth journey towards menopause.
Identifying the Signs of Perimenopause
Perimenopause introduces changes that may impact your physical and emotional well-being.
Physical Symptoms
- Menstrual pattern changes during menopause stem from hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries.
- Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, are hallmark perimenopause signs. Hot flashes feel like a sudden heat wave, often with sweating and chills, and can occur anytime. These sensations arise from hormonal upheaval, affecting body temperature regulation.
- Perimenopause can also alter sexual health. Many report decreased libido, linked to hormonal changes and symptoms like vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness and tissue thinning can make sex uncomfortable or painful, further affecting desire and intimacy. These changes link to decreased estrogen, which is crucial for vaginal health and sexual function.
The signs of perimenopause result from hormonal shifts. As menopause nears, ovaries reduce estrogen and progesterone production. This decline is uneven, with hormone levels swinging widely, causing varied and unpredictable symptoms. While these changes can be challenging, they are natural steps toward menopause.
Emotional and Cognitive Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can impact mental health. Declining estrogen levels may lead to:
- Increase mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive changes such as memory lapses and concentration difficulties.
Moreover, declining estrogen levels increase long-term health risks, including decreased bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
The intensity and occurrence of physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms vary among individuals. This variability highlights the need for personalised perimenopausal symptom management.
Also Read: Women’s Wellness Examination: Prioritising Your Reproductive Health
How to Diagnose Perimenopause
Diagnosis of perimenopause starts with a thorough discussion of the symptoms, their frequency, severity, and impact on the daily activities with the physician. A medical history review gives insight into other factors influencing symptoms, such as family history or previous conditions.
Can Blood Tests Help Diagnose Perimenopause?
Hormone testing for perimenopause may provide a lot more information about what happens to someone's life as they go through different stages in life and how it affects their health over time.
- Instead, assays to check up on Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels may be indicated since FSH reasonably gets elevated when estrogen levels decline.
- Doctors may even ask for a thyroid test to determine if those symptoms could be related to hormonal imbalance or thyroid disorder.
- Moreover, a bone density test through a DEXA scan will help to measure your bone density since it has been found that decline makes you more prone to develop osteoporosis owing to the reduction in estrogen levels.
Once a diagnosis has been established, managing the symptoms becomes essential. The person has entered an exciting transitional phase involving countless discussions about suffering and enhancing their quality of life.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Perimenopause Symptom Relief
Navigating perimenopause can be challenging. However, lifestyle adjustments can significantly alleviate symptoms.
Nutrition of the Body
This diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, all of which can meet your nutritional needs and help you manage your weight to combat such symptoms. Calcium-rich foods help build strong bones and fibre, which can assist with weight gain. Staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and alcohol, reducing some hot flashes, and improving sleep quality are also essential.
Stay Active
Staying active improves the ability to manage weight, moods, and sleep quality. Weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging, or aerobic strength training will help maintain bone density. Exercise moderately for 150 minutes a week or vigorously for 75 minutes, performing muscle-strengthening exercises two times or more each week.
Find Your Calm
Yoga, meditation, and even breathing exercises have been demonstrated to alleviate stress. Moreover, any activity focused on relaxation and revitalisation helps, whether reading, gardening, or just letting nature pass us by.
Prioritise Rest
Sleep is often interrupted. Following a regular sleep pattern and setting a bedtime schedule might help improve sleep quality. Screen exposure before bed should be limited, the bedroom should be cool and dark, and caffeine or alcohol intake should be reduced.
Lifestyle adjustments are foundational, but some situations may require medical intervention. Your healthcare provider may suggest blood tests to check perimenopause onset and develop a personalised care plan to address specific needs.
Medical Treatments for Perimenopause Symptoms
For some people with extreme ailments, lifestyle changes alone may not work; instead, they require medication.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplements declining estrogen levels, which alleviates symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. However, HRT is not for everyone. HRT is an option after discussing benefits and risks with healthcare providers.
- For depressed persons and those experiencing mood swings and anxiety, antidepressants can be prescribed, while hot flashes can be controlled by gabapentin.
- Vaginal dryness can be ameliorated with topical estrogen creams, lubricants, and moisturisers.
The Importance of Personalised Care Plans
Given symptom severity variability and personal preferences, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Collaborating with healthcare providers to develop personalised care plans is key.
Monitoring your body's response and communicating openly with healthcare providers can help you navigate perimenopause comfortably, allowing you to adjust your management strategy as needed.
Empowering Your Journey Beyond Perimenopause
As you journey through this natural phase, remember you are not alone. Many women face similar challenges and find ways to manage symptoms effectively. Gaining clarity on symptoms or suspected perimenopause can lead to practical diagnostic approaches.
Anderson Diagnostics Chennai offers accurate diagnostic results and pioneering technology. Schedule an appointment with our diagnostic labs to gain clarity and understanding of how to manage this transitional phase of your life.
