For most women, the symptoms of menopause will begin to appear about the time a woman nears the age of 50. However, for women that begin the process of menopause prior to age 40, the condition is known as pre menopause. Pre-menopause can occur for a number of reasons, including chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders like lupus, or a hysterectomy. On top of the more common signs of menopause, pre-menopause symptoms bring a host of concerns, including the loss of fertility and the increased risk of conditions like osteoporosis at a much younger age. While there is no way to reverse pre menopause symptoms, it is important to see your doctor if you suspect that this is happening to you. Your doctor can run tests to determine for sure if you are experiencing pre menopause symptoms, and offer you advice, support and treatment to deal with it.
Signs of the “Change”
There are a number of first signs of menopause that you might experience, but one of the most common is a change to your regular monthly cycle. You may see periods that are heavier or lighter than usual, or the usual 28 day span may get lengthened or shortened. If you experience heavy periods with clotting or spotting in between periods or after intercourse, you should see your doctor, since these are not typical pre-menopause symptoms. You might also experience your first hot flashes, which can be pre-menopause symptoms when they occur early on. Other symptoms might be vaginal dryness, a decrease in your libido, breast tenderness or bladder issues.
Another common pre-menopause symptom is an increased moodiness or an intensifying of your premenstrual symptoms. Difficulty sleeping or fatigue can also be a problem for women in the throes of perimenopause. If you experience any of these symptoms, you can talk to your doctor about your treatment options. It is also important to make sure that you are eating a nutritious diet and getting daily exercise, since these steps will also help you to manage these pre-menopause symptoms. It is also a good idea to make sure that you get plenty of rest during this time, and take the time to take care of yourself properly.
Treating Symptoms
Since first symptoms of menopause can be quite uncomfortable for some women, there are options in dealing with them. First, make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids, which means at least eight glasses of water every day. You can also give up the habits that are not good for your body like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. It is also a good idea to begin taking a daily vitamin supplement once you begin experiencing pre-menopause symptoms, to help balance the estrogen loss. Make sure that your supplement has an adequate amount of calcium; check with your doctor as to the proper amount for you. By taking care of yourself during this time, you will be able to manage your pre-menopause symptoms effectively.