Are you a woman between the ages of 35-55 who has noticed that she doesn’t feel or perform as well as she used to? We rarely talk about the period in a woman’s life where she experiences symptoms of perimenopause. For some women, this is a short period of time right around age 50; for others, it is a long, drawn-out period of many years where things don’t feel quite right.
The symptoms of perimenopause include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, urinary changes, weight gain, breast tenderness, dry skin, thinning hair, and memory problems. That’s quite a list!
Today, we will explore what is happening during this time period and what can be done to help you be your best during this sometimes tumultuous time.
Perimenopause is defined as the transitional period before menopause when a woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. Despite the significance of hormone balance, conventional medicine often pays little attention to this aspect of women’s health unless addressing pregnancy or infertility. Recent research suggests that women who understand and manage their hormones throughout their lives tend to perform better and experience overall improved well-being.
As perimenopause ensues, progesterone is the first hormone to decrease. Progesterone is a calming hormone, and when it is insufficient, women often experience fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, weight gain, and brain fog. Progesterone is also anti-inflammatory, and its drop during perimenopause can unmask an autoimmune condition such as arthritis. Lack of progesterone can also lead to joint and muscle aches. Progesterone can further be affected by periods of high stress, which are common during the years that women’s hormones begin to change. Progesterone and cortisol share a production pathway, and an increased demand for cortisol during stress can deplete progesterone levels, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. This imbalance can affect mood, sleep, and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
During perimenopause, estradiol levels fluctuate significantly due to the ovaries’ inconsistent production of this hormone. These fluctuations can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and various symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. As perimenopause progresses, the overall trend is a gradual decline in estradiol levels until they stabilize at a lower level post-menopause.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone, and you are NOT going crazy. Dr. Gajer and her team are ready to support you and help you get on a path to living in the healthiest version of your body.
To start your return to balance, you can implement several lifestyle changes to ease the symptoms you may be experiencing. Focus on a diet rich in minimally processed, whole foods—those found in nature without significant modification. Aim for 3 cups of vegetables daily and at least 70g of high-quality, antibiotic- and hormone-free protein sources. Healthy fats are also crucial during this time, as they support hormone production; include sources like nuts, avocado, and olive oil in your diet.
Balancing hormones during this period through lifestyle changes, nutraceuticals, and/or bioidentical hormones can significantly alleviate or even resolve these issues.
We hope to see you soon!
