Our bodies are constantly changing as we go through life, and those changes can sometimes be uncomfortable. We all remember those teenage years when we transitioned into adulthood – while we likely expected that would be the last major change we went through, for women, that’s not quite the case.
Perimenopause is a period of change that happens before menopause, typically starting in a woman’s mid to late 40s. During perimenopause, the body begins to produce lower amounts of oestrogen, often leading to a range of physiological and psychological changes. Women going through the experience won’t need to be told how tricky it can be, but thankfully, there are some ways of making it more manageable.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise has numerous benefits for everyone, but especially for women going through perimenopause. It can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flushes, improve your mood, and even reduce the risk posed by osteoporosis. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which can become trickier during perimenopause. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, even if you don’t feel like it – your body and mind will both thank you.
Target your stress
Stress can exacerbate symptoms of perimenopause, including hot flushes and unpleasant mood changes. Practising stress-reduction techniques can help manage the symptoms and improve a sense of overall well-being. Tools including quick, guided meditations, deep breathing exercises, and short yoga sessions can all be massively beneficial when it comes to reducing overall stress levels. It’s also important for perimenopausal women to make time for activities they enjoy, whether that’s reading, or simply spending time with their loved ones.
Eat healthily
A healthy diet is important for all stages of life, but it’s especially important during perimenopause. Women should aim for a balanced diet, and consider taking perimenopause supplements. It’s also vital to stay hydrated, and avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine. Some women may find that certain foods trigger their symptoms, so it’s important to pay attention to how different foods make you feel. If you have a particularly bad day, try to take a look at what you did differently in your routine, and see if it could have made a difference to your overall sense of well being on that day.
Consider hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that many women use when experiencing perimenopause symptoms. HRT typically involves taking oestrogen (or a combination of oestrogen and progesterone) to help balance the hormones in the body a little. Hormone therapy may not be appropriate for everyone, and there are some dangers associated with long-term use. It’s important to speak with a doctor first, to determine if it’s right for your specific circumstances.
Coping with perimenopause can be very tricky, but there are some highly effective strategies that can be used to manage the severity of the symptoms. Regular exercise, stress-reduction techniques, a healthy diet, and hormone therapy are all potential tools that can be used to increase your quality of life. It’s important to speak with a doctor, to figure out the best approach for your individual needs. It may seem overwhelming in the moment, but with a comprehensive approach, you can get through this tricky period of your life with as little difficulty as possible.
I am well informed about this subtopic on menopause. I say thank you for having us in mind.