What are the first symptoms of menopause?
When women start approaching midlife, they may begin to experience changes in their bodies. Although periods may still be regular, women can begin to experience symptoms normally associated with menopause. This time is known as perimenopause, which can last for many years until menopause. The problem with some of these first symptoms of menopause is that they may be mistaken for other illnesses, and caution must be taken to diagnose them correctly. This is why you should see your doctor to be sure.
Perimenopause symptoms explained
Women normally began to notice their symptoms between the ages of 35 and 45, although this varies. Most pre-menopausal women experience changes in their menstrual cycle, when everything seems to be changing. When estrogen levels begin to drop, the follicular phase of the cycle may be shortened, and this can shorten the total cycle from 28–30 days to 24–26 days, resulting in more frequent periods. This may change from month to month, however, which is frustrating at best.
However, other women begin having longer cycles because they are not ovulating as frequently. This declining or fluctuating estrogen level can produce a host of symptoms like hot flashes, increasing vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood swings, breast tenderness and many other complications.
Why do I feel so depressed and tired?
Sudden mood changes are an extremely common sign of perimenopause. You may notice yourself feeling sad, anxious or depressed. Doctors believe that this is related to a drop in the body's estrogen levels. Other factors like diet, sleep habits, physical inactivity and smoking can also influence your mood.
While it is perfectly normal to get a case of the blues, depression that continues for more than two weeks can indicate a problem. If you do experience these symptoms on a continuous basis, then see your doctor. He can recommend a course of medication and lifestyle changes that can help you to feel better. It is important to describe all of your symptoms to your physician so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
The years leading up to menopause perimenopause don't have to be peppered with physical and emotional ups and downs. If you are experiencing sleeplessness, fatigue, irregular or abnormally light or heavy periods, and frequent mood swings, then speak to your doctor about your concerns.
Luckily, there are many natural treatments for menopause available these days, and with a little research you can find one best suited to you. Also, it's important that you take good care of yourself. Monitor your diet to make sure you are getting adequate nutrition and exercise regularly. Lifestyle changes alone can have a significant impact on your overall feeling of wellness.
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First Symptoms of Menopause
Natural Menopause Remedies
Natural estrogen supplements online
Hormones and hotflashes
Menopause and Soy
Menopause Digestive Problems
What is Perimenopause?
Dangers of HRT
Weight Gain in menopause
Menopause and Fibromyalgia
Menopause and Heart Disease
Stress and Menopause Symptoms
Natural Treatment for Hot Flashes
Natural Menopause Solutions
Seven Myths for Menopause
Exercise and Menopause
Menopause Sleep Disorders
Best Herbal Remedies for Menopause
Hysterectomy and Menopause
Menopause and Osteoporosis
Menopause and Sex Life
Boosting Sex Drive in Menopause
Menopause alternative medicine
Post menopause symptoms
Menopause and mood swings
Black Cohosh & menopause