Confused about perimenopause? Feel too young to be going through the change? We’re here to clear up the facts. Remember, this is a natural process and the best line of defence is knowledge! Your period has been a constant in your life, so give yourself a break if you’re a bit concerned now it’s starting to shift.
- Perimenopause is classed as the time in which your body begins to reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone, leading up to becoming officially menopausal.
- Some women will not be aware they are in perimenopause. Other women will suffer terribly with symptoms similar to menopause itself. This one can be hard to get your head around if you’re really struggling. How can you have so much discomfort and a friend might not even be aware? This is just one more wonder of the female body!
- Perimenopause can last from a few months to a few years. Again, this seems quite unfair if you start to notice symptoms such as dull hair and skin years before your friends. As unfortunate as this is, it’s completely normal so try not to worry.
- Perimenopause can happen anywhere between the early 40’s and the early 50’s. Everyone is slightly different and there will be women at both ends of the spectrum. In fact, some women have even reached this stage in their late thirties.
- The most noticeable sign of perimenopause is irregular periods. They could range from heavy to light and appear sporadic at times. It’s normal to feel a bit concerned when you first notice these changes. You’ve been stuck with a period your whole life and it’s always been a sign of youth. The truth is, we’re all going to age so we should embrace this new chapter together.
- There is no official test that diagnoses perimenopause. However, your doctor might ask for a blood test to check hormone levels if you are concerned. This is usually a good indicator.
- There is nothing you can do to stop the onset or delay of perimenopause. Early menopause itself can happen as a result of a hysterectomy or oophorectomy.
- You are not classed as officially menopausal until you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months.
- Weight gain can also be a sign and is not at all uncommon. So don’t beat yourself up if you’ve started to gain a few extra pounds recently. A healthy diet and an increase in exercise will help manage this.
- You will have decreased fertility during this time, but you can technically still conceive. Each woman has a set number of ovaries and as they reach this time in their life ovulation becomes sporadic… but could still occur.
Over half a million women in the UK alone use LaBalance to manage their symptoms of both perimenopause and menopause itself. Many women report great benefits including a complete reduction in hot flushes and night sweats. Some women use LaBalance as an alternative to HRT, but LaBalance can also be worn alongside HRT. It’s a completely natural and safe device that will not interfere with other medications.