Going Through Perimenopause? Here’s What You Can Do

Everyone knows about menopause. It’s been discussed more and more in recent years, so it would be difficult to miss. But what about perimenopause? Well, that’s less known, particularly in men and younger women. However, knowing what perimenopause is, is vital. 

Perimenopause occurs in the lead up to menopause. Women will typically experience irregular periods and menopausal symptoms due to fluctuating hormone levels – namely estrogen and progesterone. This usually happens in a woman’s early 40s, but it could begin even earlier. 

This is a difficult time for a woman. Symptoms – hot flushes, insomnia, mood swings, night sweats, etc. – are uncomfortable to deal with. Fortunately, there are things you can do to deal with this transition. You’ll learn what to do if you’re going through perimenopause below.

Speak to Your Doctor

First up, visit your doctor. If you are lucky to have a good GP, then utilize them as a resource. They will know all about what you are going through and offer ways to help. There are numerous treatments available for women going through perimenopause, and you might be given advice on suitable lifestyle changes.

Treatments like HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) will likely be discussed during your appointment. However, there are other methods to know about. A low dose birth control, for example, addresses various symptoms. Combined oral contraceptives include estrogen, which improves hot flashes and irregular bleeding, and progestins, which help with sleep disturbances.

But the doctor won’t just discuss treatments. Lifestyle changes are known to help, too. Think eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and so on; these are effective methods to improve your overall well-being as well as your experience as a perimenopausal woman. 

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

While the effects alcohol and caffeine have on perimenopausal women might be discussed in your doctor appointment, it will depend on your own circumstances. After all, you might not be entirely honest with your doctor if you think you’ll be judged for the occasional glass of wine or mug of coffee you chug each morning. Being honest is important here, but just in case you aren’t, this information will help.

Perimenopause has an effect on your mood. You might begin to feel anxious or irritable. Alcohol, as a depressant, could intensify these feelings. This is not what you want. Similarly, caffeine could exacerbate hot flashes and night sweats. Therefore, it is wise to limit both of these beverages, especially as your body’s tolerance to these substances decreases.

Limiting doesn’t mean cutting out entirely, though. If you adhere to the recommended limit and implement alcohol-free days, you will give your body a much-needed break. The same should be done with caffeine – cut back gradually, follow the “noon rule,” and choose water first and foremost.

Try Yoga

This one might seem surprising. Yoga has a variety of proven benefits, from better balance and increased flexibility to better muscle strength and reduced chronic pain. But it also helps with perimenopause. It does this through restorative yoga, which means poses are held longer than conventional poses. Such poses help relax the nervous systems over time.

The best yoga poses to try include:

• Shoulderstand
• Marichi’s Pose
• Head-to-Knee Forward Bend
• Bridge Pose

Downward-Facing Dog is also a popular pose for combatting hot flashes. This pose brings blood to the brain, causes a state of calm, and even stretches the upper body. These will have an impact on the symptoms you experience as a perimenopausal woman.

To conclude, women go through a lot. Perimenopause is just one aspect of their lives. Knowing how to calm and combat the symptoms you will experience during this stage of life is vital. Thankfully, this post has provided you with valuable information to handle this issue.