Menopause Defined

Menopause is the natural point in which a female’s reproductive cycle and fertility permanently end because the body stops producing functioning eggs. This typically occurs around the age of 50 for most women.

Although, for a small percentage in their forties or sixties. The ovaries slowly begin to decrease their usage in the time leading up to menopause which is called Peri-menopause.

What is Peri-Menopause?

Peri-menopause is a woman’s transition between having a regular cycle and menopause. The body begins to gradually decrease the amount of estrogen it produces and the amount of hormones produced increases and decreases disproportionately. The average amount of time it lasts is approximately four years but for some it can be a few months up to ten years. Menopause has similar symptoms to peri-menopause which include:

• Hot flashes which also cause sleep deprivation
• Decreased libido
• Irregular periods, they are closer together and last days longer
• Worsening of premenstrual syndrome and mood changes
• Loss of bone and an increase in risk of osteoporosis

What Triggers Peri-Menopause?

Peri-menopause is a normal part of entering into menopause, but for some it can happen earlier than others. The following have shown evidence to some risk factors to entering into peri-menopause sooner:

• Smoking is a main cause for early menopause
• Family History, women tend to follow the same time line with their mother and sister(s) for when this occurs.
• Hormonal fluctuation is the leading cause of the changes the body goes through during peri-menopause.

How to Determine Peri-Menopause

Often a doctor is able to determine whether a woman has entered into peri-menopause just by the description of symptoms. Blood tests are an even more accurate way also used to check the hormone levels to determine if peri-menopause has begun.

Peri-Menopause Symptom Solutions

Some suggestions to lessening the symptoms of peri-menopause include:

• Adding natural vitamins and supplements to your diet for sleep deprivation, weight gain, lower libido and hot flashes.
• Change the way you eat. Have smaller meals and include whole grain snacks to control weight gain and food cravings. Adding flaxseed oil to some of the common things already consumed will help with dry skin.
• Making a regular exercise routine. Exercise can help with controlling weight gain, sleep loss and bone strength.

Peri-menopause is a way to determine that menopause is on the horizon for women typically in their forties. It has many signs that are also linked to menopause such as hot flashes, mood changes and fatigue.

Given the signs earlier on allows women to make the proper lifestyle changes so the onset of menopause may not be as severe. Knowing the signs and solutions could help answer questions for many women, but for further information a physician can be consulted as needed.

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Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/guide-perimenopause
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/perimenopause/DS00554/DSECTION=1
http://health.discovery.com/centers/womens/perimenopause/perimenopause.html