Take a second to think about where you are in life. Chances are you have built a family, have climbed the corporate ladder, or even reached personal goals you set for yourself. You might be feeling content with all your successes, and it’s time to pat yourself on the back. But just when you feel like you have it all figured out, something else gets thrown in your way. And this time, it’s perimenopause. Whether you are in your 30s, 40s, or even 50s, perimenopause can throw a wrench in your plans, but you don’t have to let it set you back completely. Setting a new goal for yourself to manage those perimenopause symptoms is something productive and completely possible to work for. Even though perimenopause comes at the worst time, you don’t have to let it take control over your life.
“Perimenopause can sometimes feel like it’s coming at the worst time. Being a woman over 40, you have lived through so much and it’s just another thing you have to work through on a daily basis. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and there are resources out there to help guide you through this journey,” says Proov CEO Amy Beckley.
It’s important to first establish what perimenopause is, so that you can start getting your body back on track. Perimenopause is the transitional stage when a woman’s body starts entering menopause. This causes their bodies to produce fewer hormones that trigger menstruation, causing many women to have irregular periods before they stop altogether. Menopause is also the end of a woman’s fertility and as this transition begins, symptoms are associated with it.
Symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, low libido and irregular periods are just some of the things women might experience during perimenopause. These types of symptoms are not only annoying for women, but can cause extreme discomfort if not treated and managed. You might be thinking the only way to fix these issues is to spend money on medicine or procedures, however there is actually a more cost-effective way to take control over your health.
Holistic methods are the easiest way to get your body and mind in tune with one another. The main reason why women experience these symptoms is because their hormones are not balanced. The key to feeling better is to make sure your body is being taken care of on multiple levels. Practicing a healthy diet and exercising are no brainers when it comes to your health. Implementing these healthy habits into your daily routine costs virtually nothing, and is one of the easiest ways to feel better. Getting enough sleep, taking natural supplements, and doing other therapies such as acupuncture can also help your body balance itself out. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on medicines and procedures to take control over perimenopause.
“Taking a little extra time in your day to research perimenopause and ask questions can help lead you down an avenue of symptom management that works for you. Managing those annoying perimenopause symptoms can be a job in itself, but investing in at-home hormone testing can help you understand why the symptoms are occurring and how to get relief fast. You have the tools to be successful in perimenopause; it just takes a little bit of work,” Beckley says.
Managing perimenopause does take time, and is full of trial and error. What might work for one person, might not work for you and that’s okay. Doing research and practicing different healthy habits can help you figure out how your body works. The more effort you put into managing those perimenopause symptoms, the faster you can find relief.
As you begin your transition to menopause, it’s important to not let this new and potentially scary phase dictate your entire life. You have come so far, and perimenopause is just another obstacle you can conquer. Doing research, implementing healthy habits, and feeling confident in yourself is the best way to take control over your health. Perimenopause is just a roadblock that you can move around.