What happens during perimenopause?
Written in association with:Top Doctors recently spoke to highly experienced consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Tilottama Nandy, who, here in this article below, shares her expert insights on menopause.
What is menopause, and when and how is it diagnosed?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of female menstrual cycles. It is diagnosed after women have gone 12 months without a menstrual period. It usually occurs between the age of 50 and 54, but the perimenopausal period leading up to menopause is more difficult to define and may last for several years.
What happens during perimenopause?
During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate considerably until the woman experiences the onset of menopause. This can cause irregular and heavy bleeding, until menstruation stops completely. It can be a time of great distress for women.
What are the main symptoms of menopause?
There are many symptoms of menopause. The most common ones include:
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- vaginal dryness
- chills
- slowed metabolism
- skin changes
- weight gain
- mood changes
- sleep problems
What are some effective ways to manage the symptoms of menopause?
There are several ways to manage menopausal symptoms. Some natural ways to alleviate symptoms of menopause include:
- Engaging in regular exercise improves poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, and fatigue. It can also protect against weight gain and various diseases and conditions arising from excess weight
- Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, calcium-rich foods
- Eating more foods that are high in phytoestrogens can help reduce hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body.
- Avoidance of spicy foods, alcohol, and fatty foods
How is menopause treated?
There are several medical treatments for menopause. The main pharmaceutical treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces the hormones that are at low levels. Alternative therapies including acupuncture may also be beneficial.
If you wish to make an appointment with Dr Tilottama Nandy, simply head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.
