Perimenopause is not an illness. It is a normal phase of life that women must eventually go through. A friend of mine once said that it's like a filtering device. Women have to go through menopause ... or else, the population would just continue to grow. Now you wouldn't want to be child-bearing forever, do you?
Since this is natural, you have to be prepared once we get to that certain age. The intensity and effect of perimenopause signs and symptoms varies from woman to woman. The hormonal imbalance that causes these symptoms are the ones women would want to eliminate for good - if possible, that is.
Once conclusive tests reveal that you are healthy and with no signs of the dreaded cancer, then it's time for you to get some treatment for the symptoms. Before deciding on what type of treatment though, makes sure that you are now "living healthy". Having a healthy lifestyle would help you lessen the effects of the symptoms.
- Have a balanced diet. Take not of your carbohydrate intake. Oils like omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are good for your body. Take vitamin supplements if you must. And you never go wrong with green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.
- Exercise. You don't need to go to the gym to do this. Try walking every morning. The fresh air will not only be good for your lungs. Body movement will improve blood circulation.
That said, let's now go on to see what possible treatments or remedies we can have for certain symptoms:
1. Irregular menstrual periods. Progestin is one way to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may also be recommended. Ibuprofen may be of some help with excessive bleeding. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), IUD or birth control pills are also considered. Magnesium intake can be increased as long as there is doctor's supervision. There is the ever-permanent hysterectomy (surgically removing the uterus) and endometrial ablation (using heat to damage and scar the uterine wall), but always consult a doctor first should you want to do any of these. Try to reduce your sugar, salt and caffeine intake. Exercise regularly to reduce the pain. Acupuncture is the way to go for some women, but you should go to a qualified acupuncturist for treatment. Evening primrose oil and flax seed oil helps with relieving the pain from excessive bleeding and breast tenderness. Herbal remedies like Belladonna, Natrum mur and Sulfur are readily available, but you should first make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor for him to provide the right mix of herbs for you.
2. Hot flashes and night sweats. HRT provides relief as well but should not be taken without the consent of a doctor. Take 400 IU to 800 IU of vitamin E. Natural progesterone cream is available over the counter. Gabapentin (drug used to treat migraine headaches) has recently been found to greatly reduce flashes and sweats among women. Alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods have also been reported to be contributors to this symptom. Black cohosh is believed to be effective against flashes and other symptoms. Soy-enriched foods like tofu, miso, soy milk, whole soy beans and the like also helps. Exercise, but don't do so at least 3 hours before going to bed to prevent night sweats. Wear cotton clothes, allowing your skin to breathe.
3. Depression and mood swings. These are sometimes triggered by stress factors such as work, family and relationships. If you cannot control them anymore, then a visit to the doctor may be beneficial. Also, do enjoyable activities such as going to a movie, watching a game, mild exercise, etc. Anti-depressants may be recommended. St. John's Wort, magnesium, sufficient vitamin B complex may be of help as well.
It's always best to consult your doctor or health practitioner for the best possible treatment. Consider the pros and cons if you are suggested to take a certain medicine. In the end, it will still be you who decides what to do.
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