The problem with perimenopause.
When it comes to being a woman, there are lots of things that we just don’t talk about, or perhaps we do, but only behind closed doors. Periods, body hair removal, stress incontinence, the list goes on and on.
Another “do not discuss” topic of late seems to be the perimenopause. When I’ve discussed this with the older generation, I’ve been told to just that they “just got on with it”, that it “wasn’t a thing” in their day. Discuss it with a man, and you’re likely to get eye-rolling, sniggers, or a dismissive hand gesture. The feeling being that it’s not the menopause and almost like it’s something that’s being made up.
So, what is the perimenopause and what kind of problems can it cause for those women who suffer with it, usually in silence?
What is the perimenopause?
Separate to the menopause, the perimenopause can also be known as the menopause transition. It can last anywhere from 4 to 8 years and takes place before the menopause itself takes a hold, usually in the mid 40s, but sometimes as early as the late 30s and early 40s.
During the perimenopause, the ovaries start to prepare the bodies oestrogen and progesterone levels which, when completely balanced, will cause the periods to stop and the menopause to start.
For some women the perimenopause passes through with very little problems, however, for other women, it can be problematic.
Are you going through it, or about to?
So, how do you know that the time has come for you to go through the perimenopause? There are a real wealth of signs and symptoms that you are going through the perimenopause. For some, they are mild and easy to cope with, for others these symptoms can cause a huge change not only to them as a person, but their life too.
Unfortunately, it seems that like so many things in life, those women who are struggling with the perimenopause are told to “get on with it” and accept that this is just the way that things are. However, if you take the time to learn more about the signs and symptoms of the perimenopause then you can see just how problematic it can be.
What are the physical changes?
Some of the changes that come with the perimenopause are physical and therefore relatively easy to understand. This includes changes to your period, night sweats, hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Other changes that occur are more to do with your mental wellbeing and can be a little harder to understand. Not only yourself, but also for other people in your life too.
But that’s not the real problem
Mood changes has to be the biggest one, it is normal for women in the perimenopause to feel irritable and that people are getting on their nerves more. However, it can go several steps further than this. Some women say that during the perimenopause they suffered with anxiety and depression, which had not been a problem beforehand.
This sudden shift in mood and mental wellbeing can cause huge repercussions to the life of the woman. Not only can their relationship feel the strain, but they it can also impact on their wider relationships as well as relationships in the workplace. These women may find that they struggle with depression and some even develop addictions in order to cope with these thoughts, such as with alcohol, drugs or perhaps gambling too.
There is also a greater chance of weight gain during the perimenopause, which can further worsen those feelings of depression and anxiety in a woman.
What can you do to help yourself?
As you can see, the perimenopause, for some, can be a difficult time. If you are concerned that you are struggling, then don’t be afraid to speak out. Book an appointment with your doctor, or perhaps speak to similar aged friends, we are sure that you are not alone in how you feel.
Yoga has become a popular practice for women that are impacted by insomnia, mood swings, and hot flashes as a result of menopause. Studies suggest that yoga may help you to sleep better and result in a more stable mood during perimenopause. Learning yoga in a class setting or practicing at home using internet tutorials may also improve mindfulness and restore a peaceful feeling to your everyday life.
Easing stress through meditation may help turn down the heat of hot flashes and also mood also mood swings and anxiety or irritability. A small new study shows that women who participated in a stress reduction program that included meditation experienced significant relief from symptoms and improved their quality of life. CLICK HERE to read about my favourite guided mediation apps that you can use at home.
Plus, we all know, with a strong network of women around you, then anything is possible.
If you would like to hang out with the most gorgeous, beautiful, powerful, caring, mature women for a few hours and take time off from the rest of the world, then you NEED to come to one of our Sassy Ever After Live Events. The free bubbles and Sassy Gift bags are a bonus, but the inspiration and motivation is the best. Click HERE or on the link below to see when and where the next Sassy Event Live events are – would love to see you there! Kate xx
https://www.kategrosvenor.com/live-events/
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