The range of perimenopause symptom duration may be quite variable, from 2 to 8 years, or even longer. In general, the later in life that perimenopause symptoms begin, the shorter the transition to menopause. The hormonal changes taking place probably represent the major cause of symptoms experienced. These changes can produce many symptoms that are traditionally thought to only occur after menopause. Changes of the perimenopause probably results from a decrease in the number of ovarian follicles (eggs) remaining and the hormonal fluctuations from one cycle to another. This hormonal fluctuation is best described as a 'roller coaster' of hormone production and invariable plays a role in symptom production.
Contrary to popular belief, the perimenopause may be associated with elevations of estrogen levels. However, these elevations are generally followed by abrupt falls in estrogen levels.
The constantly changing hormone levels of the perimenopause can precipitate significant hot flashes and night sweats. The 'peaks and valleys' of estrogen production during the hormonal 'roller coaster' invariably contribute to these symptoms. Other medical conditions commonly seen during the perimenopause years that can mimic these symptoms are thyroid irregularities and diabetes.
Other commonly described changes during this transition are related to changes in estrogen production. Vaginal thinning can lead to discomfort, itching and dryness, and pain with sexual relations. Urinary complaints include burning, urgency and frequent urination. Mood changes are very common during this transition and include irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and frustration. Hormonal fluctuations may contribute to these symptoms, although many other reasons can be identified as a contributor to these symptoms. In numerous instances, balancing a career, marriage, elderly parents and adolescent children contribute to these hormonal fluctuations.
The most common early menstrual irregularity noticed in the perimenopause is a shortening of cycle length. Women with prior 28 day cycles will commonly describe 24 to 26 day cycles during the early perimenopause. Eventually, the cycle length widens and skipping menses typically occurs. These changes in cycle may lead to heavier flow in the early perimenopause, followed by a lighter flow and occasional spotting in the later perimenopause.
The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 to 52 years of age; therefore the perimenopause may start as early as 40 to 45 years of age. Clinically, many practitioners note a continuum in certain patients. Patients with significant premenstrual symptoms at 30 to 40 years of age often proceed to perimenopausal symptoms. Therefore, many of the treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are effective for the perimenopause. According to the Study of Women Across the Nation, irritability and fatigue are common features of the perimenopause. Diminished libido and hot flashes also occur with relative frequency. These hot flashes may be the classic, intense ones that leave women drenched afterwards.....or they may be milder with a sensation of warmth and minor sleep disturbances.
The most bothersome symptoms of perimenopause, fatigue, low libido and mood swings symptoms can be reduced or eliminated with certain dietary changes. Eliminating foods that stress your body such as refined carbohydrates, caffeine, and alcohol will allow your hormones to regulate themselves more easily and not uncontrollably, plummet and rise. This hormonal yo-yo is what causes the perimenopausal discomforts such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and loss of libido. Because perimenopausal symptoms have been shown to be so closely related to nutrition, dietary supplements that compensate for our numerous dietary defects are a woman's best choice at this time.
MACA750™ is the trademarked name for Medicine Plants™ pure, Peruvian Maca root in vegetable capsules (not gel caps which are animal derived). Maca is the herb that has been shown to contain large amounts of the nutrients needed by perimenopausal and menopausal women. Medicine Plants™ MACA750™ is the herb that was used in the clinical study that demonstrated its ability to increase libido.
To order MACA750™ from the Medicine Plants™ FDA certified, GMP facility use the secure order page by clicking on MACA750™ at the top of this page.
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Medicine Plants™
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MACA750™
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Saventaro® (Cat's Claw)
$15.00 per bottle of 30 capsules
Begin with 3 capsules a day for 10 days and then 1 capsule a day for maintenance.
Eskimo® PurEFA™ Natural Stable Fish Oil®
150 softgels/1000 mg.
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Rhodiola rosea
60 capsules/100mg.
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