What To Expect When You Weren't Expecting Perimenopause

What can you expect over the next few years of this whole perimenopause stuff?  Well, we have some ground to cover but first....

....let's get back to basics first - what even the heck is perimenopause?

Think of it as the "pre-game" for menopause. Perimenopause can naturally start in your 40s, but it can begin in your 30s. During this stage, your ovaries are starting to wind down and produce less estrogen and progesterone, those key hormones that keep your reproductive system in check. Because of this hormonal roller coaster, you might experience some wild symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, brain fog, memory loss, migraines, fatigue… the list goes on. 

So if that's perimenopause, what's menopause then? 

Menopause marks a point in time when you've gone a full 12 months without having a period, congratulations, you've reached menopause! Usually, this happens in your late 40s or early 50s. The average age is 51 years old. 

After you've passed the menopause milestone, you're officially in the post-menopause stage, which is like entering a new chapter of life.

The good news is that those pesky mood swings and hot flashes tend to calm down eventually, but there are some things to keep an eye on.

One biggie is bone health – with lower estrogen levels, you're at a higher risk of osteoporosis, so it's wise to make friends with calcium and vitamin D.

Heart health is another key player; you should stay on top of your cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular wellness.

Also, keep tabs on your vaginal and urinary health, as changes down there can happen, causing dryness or incontinence.

So, think of postmenopause as your time to shine, but with a side of self-care and staying vigilant about your overall health!

What Happens to Your Body in Perimenopause?

Oh, the wonders of perimenopause!

During this phase, your body is in a bit of a hormonal hustle.

Your ovaries, which have been the superstar producers of estrogen and progesterone, start acting a little unpredictable. As they wind down from their job in  fertility. They're like rock stars before retirement, sometimes putting on a show, and other times taking a break. This hormonal rollercoaster ride is what causes perimenopause symptoms.

You might experience irregular periods because your ovaries are being a bit finicky about releasing eggs, and that can lead to hot flashes, mood swings, and even night sweats. Basically, it's like your body's way of announcing, "Hey, change is on the way!" So, hang on tight, and remember, you're not alone in this hormonal 'adventure'.

Perimenopause symptoms you might experience and how to soothe them?

Let's dive into the top 9 perimenopausal symptoms and how to give 'em a little TLC:

• Irregular Periods: Your menstrual cycle can resemble a wild roller coaster ride. Stay aware with a period tracker app or your diary to track where you are with your cycles. There are 4 stages of perimenopause, each stage has slightly different symptoms and lengths of cycles. It can be really comforting to know where you are. Learn more here on the 4 stages of perimenopause.

Also understanding how to eat in the different stages of your cycle can be so helpful in reducing symptoms, learn more here on eating for your cycle.

Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Are you ready to tackle those pesky hot flushes and night sweats head-on?  Hot flushes and night sweats are a common perimenopause/menopausal symptom that affects 75% of women. That's a lot so know you're most certainly not alone.  

The good news is there are lifestyle and diet choices that can help reduce them and keep you cooler than a cucumber during this wild rollercoaster ride of perimenopause. A key nutrient is magnesium as it helps soothe your nervous system and combat insulin resistance which can be a trigger for hot flashes and night sweats.

That’s why our Clinical Nutritionist included Magnesium Glycinate in all our daily latte blends.

Read more here on how to take control of hot flashes and night sweats.

• Mood Swings: Emotions on a roller coaster ride! One minute you feel yourself and the next you have turned into a RAGE MONSTER. The key things to help balance your mood are regular daily movement, a wholefood diet, stress-reduction techniques like yoga and a daily dosage of magnesium can help keep your mood swings in check.

Read more here on understanding why our mood is so up and down in perimenopause and how to soothe it.

• Sleep Disturbances: Having trouble catching those ZZZs? Bad sleep affects everything from our mood, energy levels, relationships, libido, cognitive function. It sucks not getting enough quality sleep. All we can do is do everything in our powder to make it as best as it can be.

It’s key to create a healthy bedtime routine, limit caffeine, try relaxation techniques and two hours before bed have one of our latte blends loaded with magnesium glycinate to help support you get a better night's sleep. Our Peri Hot Choccy also has the added benefit of Hops which also aids in promoting a good night's sleep.

• Fatigue: Feeling like you could nap at any moment? Make sure you're getting enough iron, think about improving your sleep, are you eating a whole food diet and balance your blood sugar levels, moving daily and reducing stress levels. 

Natural supports like our Peri Protein POWder with KSM-66 Ashwagandha helps:

1. Curb sugar cravings
2. Enhances the quality of your sleep
3. Sustains energy levels and
4. Improves endurance.

A great way to start your day to fight fatigue is with a Peri Busting Smoothie to give you the best nutrients to help you start the day with a sparkle.

Learn more about how to get your energy back in perimenopause.

• Vaginal Dryness: The desert down there? Lubricants and moisturisers can provide relief during intimate moments, and don't hesitate to talk to your GP about hormone treatments if needed. Learn more here to help you get a happy fanny.
  
  
• Weight Gain: It can feel like those extra kgs keep moving in and you're doing the same things as you always have. Focusing on key things like a whole food diet, daily hydration, daily incidental movement, reducing stress levels and balancing blood sugar levels will really help. There is also a level of acceptance that we are aging and our bodies are going to change and that’s OK, you're still fabulous!

Learn more here about combating weight gain in perimenopause.

• Brain Fog: The forgetfulness can be frustrating. Stay organised with to-do lists, puzzles, and brain games to keep your mind sharp.

Read about the foods you can eat to keep your brain sharp in perimenopause.

• Low Libido: Feeling less frisky? Open communication with your partner and possibly exploring new things in the bedroom can help reignite that spark.

Learn here hot tips and supplements to boost your libido in perimenopause.

And remember, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalised advice and treatment options tailored to your needs. Perimenopause is just another adventure in the journey of life, and you've got this!

A good resource to find GP’s that have a special interest in women's health in midlife and menopause, and the promotion of healthy aging in Australia can be found here.