The Not So Subtle Signs Of Early Menopause
Early Menopause or perimenopause is the process of the body leading into menopause. The ovaries begin to produce smaller amounts of the hormone estrogen. The body recognizes this and begins to show signs of bodily change. Such signs can include hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. These signs are uncomfortable, unwanted and simply a part of every adult woman’s life cycle. Below we will discuss each of these signs and methods you can use to lessen the discomfort of each of them.
Three Common Signs Of Early Menopause
- Hot flashes are a sudden rise of the body temperature beginning in the upper chest, neck and face. These episodes can last up to six minutes in time. Profuse sweating and redness are experienced. This can occur several times within a single day.
- Night sweats occur when a woman wakes suddenly and she is drenched in sweat. Literally dripping from perspiration due to the hormone imbalance.
- Vaginal dryness occurs in perimenopause. Dryness, irritation and pain can be a sign of early menopause due to the hormone fluctuation.
Theses signs are the general symptoms of menopause. You may also experience mild sleeplessness and irregular menstrual cycles. With the changes occurring and the discomforts that come with early menopause, you should know that there are methods to relieve some of these discomforts. There are three methods for relief including: Estrogen or Hormone Therapy, Herbal Remedies and Lifestyle Changes. Below each of these methods will be further discussed.
General Relief Methods For Perimenopause Signs
- Estrogen or Hormone Therapy is treatments for menopause symptom relief. Estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone are absorbed into the body by pills/tablets, a vaginal ring, a patch or a skin gel or cream such as Hot Flash Freedom, all of which replenish the lost estrogen.
- Herbal Remedies incorporate the use of herbs and plant extracts such as Hawthorne flower, Red clover or Garden sage. These herbs as well as many others aid in menopause symptom relief by replacing lost estrogen with phytoestrogens that are derived from plants and the chemicals replace estrogen.
- Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress relief and quitting smoking can all aid in the decreased discomfort of early menopause signs/symptoms.
Like all medications, each of the above methods carries risks and side effects. Estrogen and Hormone replacement therapy can carry the risks of stroke, blood clots, and certain cancers, such as endometral cancer of the uterus. Some risks are a rare occurrence but should still be considered. Some side effects include headaches, blood clots, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and nausea. Herbal remedies also carry their own side effects such as increased blood pressure and iron deficiency. All of the above methods should be discussed between you and your physician so the safest and healthiest choice can be made for you and your body.
There are more options available to assist women in easing menopause symptoms. Research is being done on new therapies and medications constantly. It is in our hands as women to take control of our lives and our bodies and do what is best for us. Read, study and discuss menopause and symptom treatments. There are even support groups to keep you positive throughout this life process. So fill yourself with knowledge and choose what is the best option for your own symptom relief.
