Perimenopause, Early Menopause Symptoms

In perimenopause, the first symptoms of menopause are generated, since estrogen production decreases. In this stage, you need perimenopause treatment as ovarian exhaustion begins and the first changes in the menstrual cycle are generated. It is the beginning of the transition between reproductive and non-reproductive life.

The symptoms of menopause usually begin between the ages of 45 and 55, at which time menstruation begins to be irregular and problems such as heat waves, increased sweat production, and dry skin and hair and imitability arise.

These symptoms are usually manifested by the decrease in the production of estrogen, responsible for the menstrual cycle and fertility of the woman and the intensity of its symptoms varies from one organism to another.

Treatment for menopause is usually indicated for women who have severe symptoms that interfere with their personal and professional life. in these cases, the gynecologist may order hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms.

Perimenopause Main symptoms

The symptoms of menopause arise when the ovaries begin to decrease their function, that is, when they stop working and produce estrogen, which is related to the menstrual cycle and fertility of the woman. These symptoms and their intensity vary from one woman to another, because while some do not present alterations, others present very intense symptoms that are difficult to ignore.

The age of onset of menopause also varies from one woman to another. On average it occurs around 50 years, but there are women who start menopause before 40 and others after 52 years, this will depend on the genetics and lifestyle of the woman.

If you are over 40 and think you may be entering menopause, select the symptoms below:

1. Irregular menstruation
2. Absence of menstruation for 12 months in a row
3. Heat waves that start suddenly and without apparent cause
4. Intense night sweats that can interrupt sleep
5. Frequent tiredness
6. Mood alterations such as irritability, anxiety or sadness
7. Difficulty sleeping or lower quality of sleep
8. Vaginal dryness
9. Hair loss
10. Decreased libido

How is it diagnosed

The diagnosis of menopause is made based on the symptoms that the woman presents, however, the gynecologist concludes that the woman is in menopause after 12 months of menstrual absence.

In addition to this, the doctor may also request a test that checks the amount of FSH in the blood to check whether or not you are in menopause, in addition to measuring the levels of estrogen and progesterone circulating in the blood.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for menopause is indicated for women who manifest very intense symptoms that compromise their professional, family and emotional life. It can be done with the use of medications prescribed by the gynecologist based on estrogen and progesterone; this treatment is known as hormone replacement therapy.

However, this type of therapy is contraindicated in women who have uncontrolled hypertension or high cholesterol, so in these cases the doctor may suggest supplementation with soy lecithin, which is rich in isoflavones that help replace the lack of estrogens in the woman’s bloodstream relieving the symptoms of menopause.

Another option to complement the treatment and relieve discomfort is to include foods rich in phytoestrogens in the diet.

Another option to alleviate the symptoms of menopause is the use of plants and medicinal herbs, some of them are Chasteberry ( Agnus castus ), Dong quai ( Angelica sinensis ) or  Cimicífuga Racemosa , however, these plants should be used under guidance medical.