Experiencing Perimenopause: How and When Symptoms Can Affect You, and What To Do About It

The term 'perimenopause' refers to the years when a woman's body is experiencing the mid-life transition resulting from decreasing/fluctuating hormonal levels; specifically, estrogen and progesterone. Perimenopause is generally thought to last anywhere from two to eight years, including one full year after a women's last period. Pregnancy during perimenopause can occur up until 12 full months have passed since a woman's last menstrual period.

Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are due to inconsistent hormonal levels. Symptoms of premenopause include changes in menstrual flow (periods closer together or further apart, lighter or heavier blood flow,) mood changes, headaches, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections, and incontinence due to loss of muscle tone. Women who smoke are likely to experience perimenopausal symptoms 1 - 2 years prior to their non-smoking counterparts.

Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries (total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy) will cause early menopause, as can cancer chemotherapy and pelvic radiation. Depending upon the level of organ damage sustained during treatment menstruation and fertility may resume, but if the level of damage is too great, early menopause can result. Other contributing factors to early menopause can include family history of early menopause, never giving birth, heart disease, and a history of childhood cancer treatment (chemotherapy and/or pelvic radiation.)

Complications of menopause include heavy bleeding (one tampon or pad every hour), periods lasting longer than eight days, bleeding between periods, or regular periods fewer than 21 days apart. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your health care professional to ensure that these are not signs of more serious disorders.

What are some proactive steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of perimenopause? Good nutrition to prevent osteoporosis and increased risk of heart disorders, combined with exercise to strengthen bones, prevent excess weight gain, and improve sleep, can make a world of difference. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or reflexology have been found helpful in assisting pre menopause symptoms. Stress reduction practices can often significantly reduce premenopause mood swings.

Hormone Replacement Therapy is generally prescribed in the case of severe perimenopause symptoms; however, the side effects of HRT include increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. Many women have found relief in all natural, proven herbal treatment alternatives. Perimenopause herb therapy has been used for many years, and menopause symptoms can often be effectively addressed with natural remedies. Native Remedies produces a full range of therapeutic quality products that can lessen the discomforts of menopause.

Shopping for all-natural remedies online offers you a discreet, safe, secure shopping environment. Natural, synergistically formulated supplements can ease your troubling perimenopause symptoms. Choose products with a 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee, and select from a variety of affordable delivery options. Visit Native Remedies for a full range of natural source, therapeutic grade menopause relief products.

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