Perimenopause and Menopause in Simple Words

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Dr. Nancy Qusba Emergency Physician Downers Grove, IL

Dr. Nancy Qusba M.D. is a top Emergency Physician in Downers Grove, IL. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Nancy Qusba M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Nancy Qusba M.D. is... more

Perimenopause means "around menopause" the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Menopause is defined as having no menstrual period for one year. The age can vary, but it typically occurs in your late 40s or early 50s. Many women welcome this new phase of life, while others have a harder time particularly if menopausal symptoms are severe enough to impact quality of life and are earlier than expected.

During perimenopause and menopause when your ovaries gradually begin to produce less of the hormone estrogen with wide fluctuations in earlier stages, this causes many physical changes. These changes include the following:

1. Hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings, Hot flashes can occur during the day or at night. Some women may also experience muscle and joint pain, known as arthralgia. In addition to vaginal dryness or atrophy, incontinence, and osteoporosis.

2. In some women, menopause may bring about a sense of loss related to the end of fertility. This change is often painful. Along with incontinence, urinary urgency, interrupted sleeping patterns, weight gain, and slowed metabolism. 

3. Women can experience thinning hair and dry skin. In addition to a loss of breast fullness.

Psychological symptoms

1. Memory effects.
2. Anxiety, poor memory, inability to concentrate, depressive mood, irritability, mood swings, and less interest in sexual activity.
3. Menopause-related cognitive impairment can be confused with the mild cognitive impairment.
4. Forgetfulness affects about half of menopausal women and is probably caused by the effects of declining estrogen levels on the brain, or perhaps by reduced blood flow to the brain during hot flashes.

Long-term effects occurs when other stressors may be present.

Natural home remedies  

  • Eating foods with lots of calcium, such as dairy products or dark leafy greens.
  • Take vitamin D supplements.
  • Exercise regularly and include weight training in your exercise routine.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid smoking. Smoking may also make hot flashes worse.
  • Avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, or alcohol. 
  • Dress in layers.
  • Use a fan at work or in your home to help cool you down.
  • Talk to your doctor about medications that may help reduce your hot flash symptoms.

For treatment - consult the physician.