Symptoms Of Premenopause

Premenopause is the transitionary phase that occurs before a woman enters into menopause. This phase usually begins when a woman is in her mid-40s and lasts for around 2 to 8 years till the onset of menopause. During premenopause the reproductive hormone levels fluctuate and this can cause a whole lot of undesirable symptoms.

The symptoms of premenopause primarily occur due to reduction in the levels of estrogen in the body. During this time, the ovaries produce eggs intermittently and this causes irregular or missed menstrual period. In some women, the menstrual cycle can become longer, while in others it may become shorter. However, even during the premenopausal phase, a woman can still get pregnant if she has unprotected sex.

Besides having a change in the menstrual cycle, the woman will also experience many other symptoms of premenopause, like hot flashes, gaining weight, mood swings, depression, headaches, dryness of the vagina, tenderness of the breasts, night sweats and sleep related problems. The woman will be more irritable and will be less equipped emotionally to handle stress and anxiety during premenopause.

As the women suffer from reduction in estrogen levels during premenopause, many times doctors recommend women to have hormonal replacement therapy. However, there are known risks of this therapy and careful consideration should be given before starting it. The mood swings, anxiety and depression can be treated through medications like Prozac or Zoloft.

Alternatively, the woman can use herbal and alternative methods of treatment to help her cope with the symptoms of premenopause. They involve eating vitamin and mineral rich foods like green vegetables, fruits, milk, and cheese; doing regular exercise; taking herbal extracts like black cohosh or Dong quai; doing relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation; and taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements to prevent bone loss.

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