Many women as they reach their mid-forties start to hear words thrown around like “menopause” and “early menopause” – there’s another one that you may hear as well. It is perimenopause, and it is nothing more than the beginning of the symptoms associated with menopause. This is a time of transition before actual menopause, when hormones start to decrease gradually and women will feel the beginning of several if not many symptoms they know are associated with menopause. Actual menopause is of course when a woman has reached a time where she hasn’t had a period in over 12 months, so until that big milestone is reached she will be in perimenopause.

The symptoms will vary, but I’m sure you have heard the entire “laundry list” by now – hot flashes, weight gain, irritability, lack of sleep, loss of libido, irregular periods, tender breasts, night sweats, depression, itchy skin, vaginal dryness, to name a few. No wonder women dread this time in their lives, it can be devastating to some women. However there are plusses as well, not having to worry about birth control any longer, the eventual stopping of periods altogether, and for many women a realization that they are beginning a whole new chapter in their lives. Many women also focus more on their health around this time in their lives, which is an added benefit.

The time to expect the symptom of perimenopause is usually around the mid-forties, although some experience them as early as 35. Since every woman is different, as is her general health status, this can vary greatly. The number of symptoms each woman receives and their severity is also hard to predict. It should be said that nothing is very predictable in perimenopause! In the perimenopause years, many women undergo significant bodily changes which are a direct result of hormonal fluctuation. The first symptoms to appear are usually hot flashes, where the temperature of the body fluctuates and can increase several degrees very quickly, causing sweating and even dizziness in some women. There is no easy cure for this, but learning to layer clothing helps! Also drinking plenty of water can help some, simply because the body must be hydrated to cool down effectively.

Whatever your symptoms are, the best weapon you have is to learn more – there is a ton of great information out there on perimenopause, so get reading and get the help you need!

There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.

Learn more by visiting us at natural menopause remedies site and reading our massive article collection!