Signs of perimenopause

If you’re a woman over forty, you may have noticed that your body is not behaving the same as it was in your thirties. This could be due to changes that naturally occur as progesterone and oestrogen levels fluctuate and decline with age.

When does menopause start?
The average onset of menopause in Australia is about 51 years, which is when your menstrual period stops completely.

When does perimenopause start?
Signs of perimenopause can show up any time in the ten years before your period stops completely.

perimenopausal woman

Perimenopause symptoms
While everyone is different, perimenopause symptoms typically include:

  • Changes in cycle length, irregular periods and heavier periods;

  • Weight gain and a subsequent change in lean muscle to fat body composition ratio;

  • A slower metabolic rate can cause digestive issues, bloating and fluid retention;

  • Insomnia or lighter sleep;

  • Hot flashes;

  • Changes in libido;

  • Cognitive changes including poor memory and multi-tasking ability;

  • Lowered ability to handle stress;

  • Mood changes.

Is there a Perimenopause test?
You can find out your female reproductive hormone profile by doing a test either through your GP or through your naturopath. This can confirm whether your estrogen or progesterone levels have dropped or whether there may be other reasons for irregularities in your cycle such as elevated testosterone or low DHEA.

What are the best perimenopause supplements?
It’s important to tailor your perimenopause supplements to what your body individually needs. Natural treatments for perimenopause include:

  • Herbal tonics
    - to help correct dramatic imbalances in hormones and reduce symptoms (including hot flashes);
    - as adaptogens to increase your ability to handle stress;
    - as sedatives to help you get a more refreshing sleep;
    - to support your digestive processe and relieve bloating;
    - to improve your cognitive capacity, focus and memory.

  • Nutritional and dietary advice
    - to assist hormone synthesis and balancing;
    - to make sure you’re having the correct proportions of macronutrients for your stage in perimenopause to reduce weight gain;
    - to give your brain the nutrients to modulate the neurotransmitters that effect your mood at this time of great change in your body;
    - to balance your microbiome (as your hormones are changing so are your vaginal and gut bacteria, affecting digestion, mood and immune system).

    Naturopathic support can also provide:

  • Lifestyle advice
    - on the best types of exercise for you at your stage in perimenopause;
    - how to avoid raised cortisol levels that will exacerbate weight gain;
    and other self care strategies personalised to your daily life.

  • Proactive cancer risk reduction

    - test for the health of your estrogen metabolites and methylation capacity to proactively discover what you need to do to support estrogen detoxification in your body;
    - test for genetic defects affecting hormone metabolism and clearance;
    - improve your antioxidant status via key nutritional, lifestyle and dietary strategies.

    If you suspect how you’re feeling may be due to hormone changes, take action on your self care.

    Here are some options for you:

  • Book a free Health Strategy session with a Naturopath
    > Discuss your perimenopausal symptoms with a natural health professional
    > Find out which natural strategies will work best for you
    > Get free advice on the best perimenopause tests for you
    OR
    If you’re ready to take action

  • Sign up for the Perimenopause Reset program