I'm Still Hot - it just comes in flashes now!

Most women aged 35 and over will have experienced some of the symptoms of Perimenopause. It is the 5 to10-year time span leading up to the final cessation of their menstruation - menopause. As the ovaries age the production of estrogen and progesterone becomes erratic, leading many women to experience certain symptoms during this span. The following symptoms are very common to women going through a perimenopausal experience:

Menstrual Changes, Hot Flashes, Disturbed Sleep, Reduced Libido, Painful Intercourse, Poor Concentration/Memory, Anxiety, Painful Breasts, Dry Skin and/or Vagina. 

The goal in "treating" perimenopause is to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the risk of long-term medical conditions such as heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. Many treatment options are available today. I find it astounding that approximately 85% of women go on a synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy in order to alleviate symptoms of hot flashes. Yes, the same HRT, which in 2002 WHO study found that, synthetic HRT actually increased women’s risk for heart disease and breast cancer! 

Of course there are many much safer alternatives, such as bio-identical hormonal therapy, homeopathic medications, dietary and nutritional means, and a myriad of other modalities such as acupuncture, ayurveda, herbal medicine, etc.

The most common complaint of hot flashes interferes with sleep patterns and can be debilitating. Many women describe being drenched in perspiration and needing to change bedclothes several times during the night. Unable to fall back to sleep and spending the night tossing and turning leaves them physically and emotionally drained.

Of course, not all of these symptoms could be as a result of a hormone imbalance; poor adrenal functions, thyroid problems or even an intestinal microbial imbalance may be involved in some cases. A thorough assessment is essential in addressing the underlying causes, rather than just treating the symptoms. However, there are many things you can do to help yourself experience a gentler and smoother transition through this life-changing process. Please do not settle to survive, THRIVE.