Perimenopause: all about this important transition phase

One day your body will reach… menopausebut that just doesn’t happen. Perimenopause is between normal menstruation and menopause. According to gynecologist Besnard-Chavet, this phase of transition lasts an average of seven years. At this stage, the ovaries work less and less. Perimenopause is the preparation for complete cessation of ovarian function. The average age at which true menopause begins is 51 years. “True menopause occurs after menstruation has stopped for at least a year,” says gynecologist Besnard-Chavet.

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What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

Although menopause and perimenopause have similar symptoms, they are not all the same. Gynecologist Besnard-Chavet also notes that symptoms can vary from woman to woman: “Some women have a wide range of symptoms that last a long time, while others hardly disturb them. “

“Irregular cycle is a common symptom,” says the gynecologist Besnard-Chavet, “It can be a long cycle of two months, but also a short one of fifteen days. In addition, some women experience alternating short and long cycles. The blood level can be different, so you can suddenly have a lot more blood than normal.” But according to the gynecologist, several other symptoms also present themselves outside of the menstruation itself: “Hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, migraines, weight gain and so on are all signs of perimenopause.”

“Muscle and joint pains are not common symptoms, we see them more often in the true menopause,” the gynecologist notes. In addition, according to her, there is no strong connection between the so-called midlife crisis and perimenopause: “Although hormonal fluctuations may have something to do with it, there are several other factors that you need to take into account give This creates a lot of pressure from society to stay young. People need to be active and maintain, which can cause a sudden desire to change your life. “

Determining factors

According to Besnard-Chavet, several factors determine how women experience perimenopause: “In general, we see that the psychological aspect plays a big role. Women who have a difficult time entering menopause may experience more symptoms. These are, for example, women who have never had children and who now understand that they will never have children again.”

But smoking also has negative effects: “Tobacco has a big impact on your body. Smoking can delay the onset of menopause by up to three years. In addition, it damages your body in such a way that your symptoms are more intense and more frequent,” says Besnard-Chavet.

But there is also good news, because a healthy lifestyle could reduce the symptoms: “Enough physical activity is important. For example, walking for fifteen minutes to half an hour each day can make a big difference. It is also valuable to eat a balanced and healthy diet. So it is better to avoid a glass of wine with food. Alcohol increases the temperature, which, among other things, leads to more hot flashes. Finally, weight management is also very important. As mentioned earlier, the process of menopause causes a lot of tension for some women. That extra stress can only make the symptoms more intense. So it is a good idea to do breathing exercises or yoga. “

This is the best way to deal with perimenopause

There is no cure for perimenopause, but there are several ways to make the process easier. “Hormonal medication, such as for menopause, is less appropriate because the ovaries are still functioning a little during perimenopause. Symptoms can be treated in a targeted manner. For example, a person can take progesterone to activate menstruation or give antidepressants to develop a reduced mood,” says gynecologist Besnard-Chavet.

“I also like homeopathy because it works more holistically. Homeopathic remedies make it possible to give a dilution of hormones to make the best cycle and ensure that the ovaries work better. With homeopathy it is also possible to give individual treatment to women and thus reduce their specific complaints,” says the gynecologist. She herself notices that women who took homeopathic remedies during perimenopause also suffer less from symptoms during the actual menopause.

Call yourself

Finally, the gynecologist Besnard-Chavet emphasizes the importance of informing yourself about this transition period: “Doctors often do not have enough time with the patient to do everything explain in detail. So it is important to do your own research by reading books about it and following what is reported in the media. It is also a good idea to stop your life for a moment carefully. Evaluate your lifestyle and see what you can change. For example, you can quit smoking or integrate more activity into your days.”

“Also, inform those around you,” said the gynecologist. “For example, vaginal dryness is a common symptom of perimenopause and this can affect your sex life. So talk about it with your partner. Gynecologist Besnard-Chavet would like to remind women who are dealing with perimenopause unfortunately that there is no ‘miracle solution’, but that some things can make the situation easier.

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Menopause.