Perimenopause / Pre-menopause
Many women begin experiencing symptoms of pre or perimenopause several years before menopause occurs. The age when signs of premenopause occur varies among women. Some women experience symptoms in their early thirties, while other women may not experience symptoms until their forties.
The Symptoms of Peri-Menopause
- Intermittent hot flashes, night sweats, coldness
- Irregular periods that can be heavy, light, shorter or longer cycles
- Migraines
- Problems with memory, ”foggy brain”
- Heavy periods
- Weight gain
- Difficulty sleeping either getting to sleep or staying asleep
- Mood changes, anxiety, depression, irritability
- Heart palpitations (if you experience any heart disturbances, always consult a physician)
- Dry skin and/or hair loss
- Loss of or decreased sexual desire
- Vaginal dryness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
Hormone imbalance in perimenopause
Symptoms of perimenopause are caused by a decline in the production of Progesterone. During the latter stage of the menstrual cycle the ovaries produce a surge of oestrogen which peaks around day 21. This should be balanced by a peak in the progesterone hormone at the same time. If oestrogen levels rise without the balance of progesterone, this creates the typical PMT symptoms which are similar to symptoms of perimenopause. PMT symptoms typically get progressively worse during the 40’s. PMT and perimenopausal symptoms are infact synonymous and both related to oestrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency.
Treatment of Perimenopause
This is aimed at rebalancing oestrogen and progesterone. Bio identical progesterone is replaced mostly in the form of a troche. The amount of progesterone is determined by measuring the blood level on day 21 of a 28 day cycle. Progesterone is usually prescribed from day 7 or 14 to day 28 of the cycle. If Oestrogen levels are excessively high on day 21 of the cycle a natural phyto nutrient, Indoplex is also prescribed. This helps the body metabolise oestrogen more effectively, thus decreasing the oestrogen load on the body.