Perimenopause Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Perimenopause Definition
In the medical world, ‘fairy’ means when. While ‘menopause’ means the end of a woman’s reproductive function which is marked by the cessation of menstruation. So in other words, perimenopause means the transition period from a woman’s regular menstrual cycle to no menstruation at all.
Perimenopause does not only involve hormonal changes but also the physical and psychological condition of a woman. Some women skip perimenopause without any significant disturbances. But others feel drastic changes in his body.
Perimenopause is a normal phase that every woman experiences. However, several things can make a woman experience perimenopause earlier than other people.
Risk factors that cause a woman to experience early perimenopause include:
- Having cancer
Chemotherapy and radiation used in cancer treatment can shorten menstrual cycles and make a woman experience perimenopause earlier. - Family history
A woman’s menopause age is generally not far from her mother’s. Likewise with his age when experiencing perimenopause. - Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus or hysterectomy does not make a woman stop releasing eggs, even if she does not experience menstruation anymore. However, if the hysterectomy also involves the ovaries, the other ovaries can be affected. The age of egg cell production is shorter and the perimenopause is earlier. - Smoking
Women who smoke are at risk of experiencing perimenopause 2 years earlier than those who do not smoke.
Perimenopause Symptoms
Perimenopause symptoms experienced by one woman are different from another woman. Even some women do not experience significant complaints.
However, in general, complaints that are generally conveyed when a woman is in the perimenopausal phase include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Red rash on face
- Breast pain
- Experiencing pre-menstrual syndrome which is quite disturbing compared to before
- No sexual arousal
- Easily tired
- Dry vagina
- Easily wet the bed, especially when coughing or sneezing
- Can’t hold back urination
- Mood instability
- Sleep disorders
Perimenopause Reason
Perimenopause is related to hormones related to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Stepping on puberty a woman will routinely produce eggs, which are then released and shed when she is not fertilized. The process of melting the egg is marked by menstruation or menstruation.
The two hormones that control the cycle are estrogen and progesterone. Naturally, at a certain age, the production of these two hormones will stop. Towards the end of production, the levels of these two hormones will experience turmoil. These periods of full hormone instability lead to perimenopause.
Perimenopause Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of perimenopause is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, which can be elongated or shortened. This is caused by changes in levels of the hormone estrogen, which is a regulator of female hormones. The levels of this hormone can be known from laboratory tests.
Unfortunately, no one can predict exactly when these times will happen to someone. In general, menopause itself generally occurs in the age range of 48-55 years.
So perimenopause occurs before that age range or around the age of 40 years. In some cases, perimenopause can occur earlier at the age of 30 years. After one year a woman does not experience menstruation at all, then it can be said to have entered menopause.
Perimenopause Treatment
If the symptoms of perimenopause are bothersome, a woman can get special treatment. The goal is to help her through perimenopause more easily.
The therapy given is generally in the form of hormone therapy. For example by giving birth control pills, implants, or injections of progesterone.
Perimenopause Complications
In some women, the symptoms of perimenopause can be quite severe and really interfere with their daily activities. Even the complaints experienced have the potential to cause depression.
For those who experience depression due to perimenopause, doctors can prescribe anti-depressants which will help relieve bothersome symptoms.
Perimenopause Prevention
No one can prevent perimenopause. However, lifestyle changes have been shown to help relieve symptoms and manage daily moods during perimenopause.
Lifestyle changes in question include:
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages
- Get enough and regular sleep
- Increase calcium intake