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PERIMENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

It is frightening to consider, going through menopause when a woman is in her mid-thirties. Even referring to it as perimenopause symptoms does not lessen the blow of a woman beginning to age. But to Dr James Huston and Darlene Lamka, the authors of the book, 'Perimenopause: Changes in Women's Health After 35', it is just a natural process. Just as puberty was a process of development. Perimenopause symotoms and menopause are the process of closing the door on reproduction. The transitions are certain to bring some chaos as most changes do, but utilizing some of the methods described can make this movement to later life more smooth and enjoyable.

If a woman does not menstruate for one year doctors would say menopause has occurred. The term menopause comes from the Greek roots 'meno'- (month) and 'pausis' (a pause, a cessation). When menopause occurs, the ovaries stop functioning; they stop producing the eggs or ova and the reproductive cycle stops. Production of sex hormones namely oestrogen, progeterone and teststerone is reduced considerably.

However, menopause does not happen suddenly. it is a process that gradually develops and gives a number of warning signs over a period of several years. The period before menopause is called premenopause (before menopause) or Perimenopause symptoms. The term perimenopause has its origin in Greek peri- around or near.

All women do not experience all the perimenopause symptoms, nor do they feel them to the same extent. Earliest symptoms begin in mid-thirties . They may be so mild that most women are likely to ignore them. They may experience them in the form of:

1. Irregular periods
2. Periods of longer duration
3. Too much bleeding
4. Less bleeding
5. No bleeding at all or missing periods

It is better to alert your doctor when you experience any of these perimenopause symptoms. As women enter forties the symptoms are likey to aggravate. Most women begin to experience Perimenopause symptoms in their early forties and do recognise them. some get panicky. One must accept them as fact of life. They may experience some or all all of these perimenopause symptoms:

• Changes in monthly cycle
• Moodiness
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal atrophy
• Urinary problems
• Osteoporosis and skeletal problems
• Skin and soft tissue problems
• Psychological problems
• Sexual problems

Period cycle of less than 20 days must be reported to the doctor. It may be indicative of endometrium disorder, that needs medical attention.

Excessive bleeding may lead to anemia.

Moodiness can be very embarrassing to oneself as well the family and friends. You may burst into tears watching a movie or get angry at something trivial. Doctor may prescribe safe and effective medication.

All medical problems like hot flashes, and those pertaining to skin, bones and urino-genital systems can be taken care of by the doctor. You may opt for hormone replacement therapy.

Alternative therapies, herbal treatments like ginseng and cohosh, acupuncture and acupressure may help alleviate the perimenopause symptoms.

You may seek the help of a counsellor to help you cope with perimenopause, the major change in life which is accompanied by a large number of physical, social and emotional problems.

Perimenopause symptoms are a natural process and all the physiological changes that take place are aggravated by the self image that women have with reference to their social set up. Nevertheless, the physical discomfort due to physiological changes cannot be ignored and need to be addressed. So are the psychological factors that must be treated. The perimenopause symptoms may last for a few months, one or two years or as long as five years. One must consult a doctor and undergo a suitable line of treatment. *****

Article Published: Wednesday 4th July 2007