Menopause is the cessation of menstruation. Since 2022, the WHO incorporated the term perimenopause to refer to the period that passes from the first time changes in the menstrual cycle and climacteric symptoms are observed, until one year after the last menstrual period. Perimenopause can last for several years.
Perimenopause is associated with up to 34 symptoms and usually begins in the mid-40s, but according to some experts it could begin much earlier.
Perimenopause is characterized by irregular periods, but women can also experience joint pain, low libido, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, palpitations, sensitive teeth, mood swings, and low self-esteem, among others.
The doctor Harriet Connellmenopause specialist talks with Daily Mail on the matter and explains that perimenopause is “the transition period that leads to menopause and that usually lasts several years.”
During that time, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone (hormones that regulate periods and pregnancy) becomes irregular, causing a variety of physical and emotional symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety and mental confusionhe explains.
“These can be some of the earliest and most challenging symptoms of perimenopause. These symptoms often affect daily functioning more than classic hot flashes or menstrual changes and can appear years before those of late perimenopause,” he adds.
To understand perimenopause and when it occurs, it is essential to understand its next and final stage: menopause. While perimenopause begins first and results in sporadic periods, menopause causes menstruation to stop indefinitely.
The doctor Claire MerrifieldGP and medical director at Selph in London, tells Email That, for most women, menopause usually occurs around age 51.
Merrifield says perimenopause is complicated to define, as there is no specific test to diagnose the condition. In addition, it is considered a transition phase that prepares a woman’s body for menopause and It can last months or years before menopause.
One myth surrounding menopause is that the condition only begins in middle age, but the expert warned that It could appear at 40 years of age.
“Most of the time no cause is found for premature menopause, but sometimes it is due to genetics and may be more likely if other women in the family have experienced it,” Merrifield says.
Symptoms at 30 years old
The same can be said for perimenopause: some women reveal that they experience symptoms already at 30 years old.
But the doctor Alexis Missick, Another expert consulted in the report insists that, although perimenopause can actually begin at age 30, these cases are relatively low.
“Perimenopause can begin as early as age 30. However, this is not seen very often, especially in women whose cause is unknown. Most women who experience perimenopause during their 30s experience it as result of a hysterectomychemotherapy or other radiation treatments,” he says.
However, he also noted that genetics plays a vital role in its early onset, adding: “If a woman’s mother was perimenopausal at a young agethat woman has a higher risk of experiencing it early.”
One of the fears of early perimenopause is that it could end a woman’s chances of becoming a mother. But Dr. Connell says that motherhood is still very possible.
“During perimenopause it is still possible to get pregnant, as ovulation can occur sporadically, even if periods become irregular”he stated. “While fertility naturally declines with age and becomes more unpredictable in perimenopause, women can still ovulate and therefore conceive,” she adds.
For many women who have begun perimenopause, the accompanying symptoms will cause stress, depression and anxietywhich will make your daily life difficult.
To deal with the process, Dr. Missick recommends changing your lifestyle. “One of the best ways to reduce the effects of this disease or its symptoms is to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “This starts with a balanced diet every day in which you can reduce your carbohydrate intake and increase your intake of good oils like omega 3 and 6 fatty acids,” he says.
He also suggested taking vitamin supplements along with a “healthy dose” of fresh fruits, green vegetables and regular exercise. “Physical exercises are good for the body, since they promote good blood circulation. Therefore, it is advisable to do a regular exercise routine. “A simple morning walk will have a positive impact on the body,” he adds.
Dr. Merrifield adds: “If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause at a young age, it is important to see a health care professional. They will ask you a series of questions and may suggest a blood test… you can do a simple blood test to monitor key health markers that will help you navigate this transition,” he concludes.
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