Of course as with everything there are always exceptions. Those wonderful ladies who gallop through perimenopause and menopause with no symptoms and feel like they’re 25. Who rock up at parties glowing with little sleep. If you’re one of those fabulous ladies, I admire your glow from near and afar.
Hormones
Important hormones during this phase. There are more.
Oestrogen is frequently discussed, the key to our reproductive system working and developing properly. It’s really important for healthy bones, cognition, cardiovascular health and memory. We actually have oestrogen receptors in cells right through our body. The reason declining oestrogen effects numerous areas in our bodies.
Progesterone, the main function to control the build up of our uterine lining
Testosterone we all know it is an important sex hormone. Enhancing sex drive. It can help to maintain muscle and bone strength. Research has found it helps memory and concentration.
At different times of our lives our hormones fluctuate. Especially during puberty, prior to our period, pregnancy and post pregnancy. Most of us have experienced the effects sometimes physically, mentally or emotionally.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition time directly before your menopause, when hormone levels start to decline. Your periods could still be regular or they may have changed. I didn’t notice any change until my late 40’s. Usually perimenopause starts early to mid 40’s. However this is a unique experience, with some women it will be earlier or later depending on different factors, genes, treatments or surgery.
I’ve mentioned in my Perimenopause post I didn’t pay attention to this phase. I was never one to track my periods, but recall them becoming irregular. Some ladies suffer severe discomfort for the first time. My periods became heavier which was unlike me.
Our ovaries might not release an egg each month. You may or may not ovulate, this usually means your oestrogen levels are changing. If you are still having periods now and then you are still most likely in perimenopause. This phase can last a few years.
Tracking
Tracking your periods, noting any changes can be a good idea. Your colleagues, partner or friends may have noticed differences in you. You may suffer from PMS, where as you hadn’t before. Tracking can prove useful when speaking with your healthcare specialist or GP. Helps them to see patterns, reoccurring symptoms enabling them to offer the best treatment for your needs.
I mentioned earlier oestrogen receptors are throughout our bodies. For this reason declining oestrogen can cause a multitude of symptoms. We’re familiar with hot flushes and sleeping issues however there are many more.
Smell and taste
Smell and taste changes. By the way women often experience heightened smell during pregnancy. I recall my sister did.
Bloating
Bloating, constipation. Our digestive system can be sensitive to changing levels of oestrogen and progesterone
Brain fog
Brain fog and lack of concentration. I experienced both while studying, extremely frustrating. Moments of forgetfulness. Thankfully no longer. Oestrogen and testosterone are key for our brain.
Breast changes
Breast changes and tenderness. Our breasts may become less full looking. Change shape. We know the drill always check for changes. Have regular mammograms.
Nails
Nails breaking and splitting. Oestrogen plays a part in producing keratin so when levels decline this may happen. Similar with hair also made of the protein keratin. Hair post.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes, I’ve experienced along with a feeling of grit in my eyes. I use drops when needed from the local pharmacy. The pharmacist advised I blink repeatedly when I feel my eyes becoming dry. Blinking lubricates the eyes. Oestrogen plays a part in this lubrication and tear film production. Also where we live the air is extremely dry due to altitude and the sun intense. I wear sunglasses for protection.
to be continued….
Are you experiencing any symptoms? Or flying through peri and meno with the greatest of ease?
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