What is Perimenopause?

What is perimenopause? According to Mayo Clinic, “Perimenopause means “‘around menopause’“ and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also called the menopausal transition.” This can happen to women anywhere between mid thirties to sixty years old. Our body goes through different patterns in life; from starting mensuration, having periods, going through pregnancy, nursing our children, and experiencing menopause. It’s important to understand what perimenopause is, and when to expect these changes for it. Your body is transitioning to a stage to menopause, which is going twelve months without mensurating. Your body will prepare by slowing down your mensuration and decreasing your progesterone, which will shorten or lengthen expecting periods.

Signs that you may be experiencing perimenopause may include:

  • periods getting closer together
  • periods skipping months
  • mood shifts, due to decreased serotonin levels
  • hot flashes
  • weight gain
  • brain fog/memory loss
  • breast pain
  • high cholesterol
  • urinary incontinence
  • vaginal problems
  • high blood pressure
  • night sweats
  • muscle and joint problems.
  • and many more.

Remember, symptoms will vary from woman to woman. Some women may expect it sooner, especially due to:

  • Smoking
  • Family History
  • Cancer treatment
  • Hysterectomy

How long does perimenopause last? Also varies from woman to woman, but it can last from a few months to about ten years. But when you have officially gone without having a period for twelve months, you are officially in menopausal stage. These hormonal changes decrease your chance of conceiving, due to estrogen levels decreasing, which your ovaries make. This then leads an imbalance of progesterone, another hormone the ovaries produce. Both of these hormones are responsible for ovulating and menstruating. Just like a roller coaster, it is normal for it to fluctuate during perimenopause.

Perimenopause usually is not a concern, but anytime you see large blood clots in menstrual discharge, bleeding after sex, spotting between periods, or emotional symptoms interfering with your ability to function contact your health care provider. Here are few simple things you can do to help relieve your symptoms of perimenopause:

  • Essential oils
    • Geranium-mood swings, hot flashes, depression, and balancing hormones
    • Lavender-help balance hormones, reduce hot flashes, soothe perineal discomfort
    • Rose-regulate cycle, improve mood, and reduce hot flashes
    • Juniper-known for its calming and grounding effects on mind and body.
  • Breathwork
  • Epsom salt baths
  • Vitamins/Minerals
  • Movement/Exercise
  • Getting good sleep
    • sleep in a dark room
    • have a consistent schedule of falling asleep/waking up
    • switch out caffeine drinks for herbal teas or seltzer water
    • shut off wifi/setting your phone 10 feet away from you.
  • Clean Water, Food, and Environment
  • Taking care of digestion
  • Nutrition
    • Laurel Fetzer with Elevated – Functional Nutrition can help you get started in your healthy nutritional journey based on your personal needs. (contact information down below)

Change can be scary at times, but knowing what comes ahead, it can take away the fear and bring about preparation and acceptance. Change is good, our bodies are incredible, so give yourself grace when you go through these stages. It shows the beauty of being a woman. The Utah Birth Place is here to support in any part of your motherhood, including perimenopause, please reach out if you are in need of support in any new stage of life.

Laurel Fetzer – Functional Nutritionist

Elevated – Functional Nutrition

(801) 414-9336

laurel@elfxn.com

Elevated – Functional Nutrition | Murray UT

Instagram (@elevated_functional_nutrition)

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