Menopause A to Z

 


Early Menopause Symptoms

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Before a woman goes into actual menopause, she starts into what is known as perimenopause. During this time, her body is going through many transitions specifically relating to hormones. When a woman is in her mid-twenties, she hits her fertility peak, the time when she is capable of becoming pregnant the most. Then in her late thirties, her body changes as fertility becomes less and less likely. Then by the time she is in her late forties to early fifties, more changes occur. During this time, the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone diminish and eventually stop.

While she is still having a menstrual cycle, although probably sporadic, she is in perimenopause, or the early phases of menopause. Once her cycle stops for 12 months, she is in menopause. To help a woman deal with this aspect of life, one of the best things she can do for herself is to understand the early menopause symptoms.

At first, her period will become erratic. For example, one month she may have a period that is light, lasting just a few days. However, the next month, her period may be very heavy and long. This fluctuation is normal and just a part of the may early menopause symptoms. Next, she will begin to notice things such as trouble concentrating or perhaps not having as sharp a memory. Although frustrating, this too is normal. Next, she might find getting to sleep hard and notice her moods are all over the place. Unfortunately, these too are all early menopause symptoms. Probably the most frustrating of all symptoms are the hot flashes and night sweats.

This period during which the woman will deal with menopause symptoms could range from one to four years. This phase is often defined as a transitional phase in which a woman goes from having a normal monthly period to having none at all. Keep in mind that all women are different so while most women move from perimenopause to menopause within five years, some may not get there for ten years. Therefore, you cannot compare one woman to another. Once the woman has stopped having a monthly cycle for a full 12 months, she has actually entered real menopause.

Just remember that while early menopause symptoms are something every woman deals with, you can take action to make them less annoying. Today, you have multiple options to include the traditional hormone replacement therapy as well as many wonderful supplements. For example, Black Cohosh is a very important remedy for women going through the change. This supplement has proven time after time that it works in reducing symptoms. Other women have found that a combination of vitamin E, vitamin C, and calcium works wonders for reducing early menopause symptoms.

Probably the most challenging symptom to handle is the hot flashes. When this occurs, the woman feels a hot, intense flush of heat all over hear head, neck and shoulders, and face. This sensation can last for 30 seconds to several minutes. During this time, the woman feels frustrated, annoyed, and completely blocked off from anything else going on around her. Obviously, this one menopause symptom can be overwhelming. Then you add in the others, and you can see why this phase of life is so difficult. Just remember – there are options. If the woman is struggling to get through this phase of life, she should work closely with her doctor to create a plan that will work best for her.

 

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