What is the perimenopause and menopause?

PERIMENOPAUSE

  • Phase of menstrual irregularity, fluctuating hormone levels and symptoms

  • Can start 10 years prior to Final Menstrual Period (FMP) to 1 year after menopause

  • Difficult to diagnose; usually diagnosed via symptoms

MENOPAUSE

  • Diagnosed when it has been 12 months since FMP, not the result of other causes. Signifies permanent cessation of ovarian function and transition from reproductive to non-reproductive phase of life

  • Range 48-53 years. Average age ~51 years

MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

Women have estrogen receptors in every cell of the body therefore when estrogen levels start to fluctuate and decline during the perimenopause and menopause, they can experience a range or physical and psychological symptoms.

The type and level of symptoms any women experiences is very individual. Some women will experience some mild symptoms and some may experience harsh, relentless symptoms. It is important to seek a menopause specialist doctor or women’s health doctor who understands this phase of life so that you get the best advice for your individual symptoms. This will improve your quality of life greatly.

  • Hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations

  • Headaches

  • Brain fog

  • Memory loss

  • Weight gain

  • Joint and muscle pain

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Pelvic health: vaginal dryness, discomfort with intercourse, urinary frequency/urgency/leakage

  • Loss of libido

  • Mood: increase rates of anxiety, depression, mood swings

  • IBS

  • Restless leg

  • Skin, hair, eye and oral health changes

If you are feeling some of the symptoms outlines above download the symptom checker and track which symptoms at which degree you are experiencing them and take this to your doctor. This will help your doctor give you the best form of treatment.

Nutrition, ConditionsLisa TarquiniLT Nutritionperimenopause, menopause, menopause symptoms, menopause symptom tracker