Preparation for perimenopause

Are you a woman approaching her 40's and starting to feel tired, even exhausted all the time? Do you experience symptoms of dizziness, lack of concentration, stress or depression? Do you ask yourself questions like "What is going on with my body? Why am I so tired that I am unable to take care of my children? What is behind this constant fatigue?"

You might be experiencing headaches, muscle and/or joint pain, which deter you from exercising like you used to. You may feel fear because you have noticed that your body is slowly aging, showing an increase in gray hair, a bloated stomach, and double chin. You notice you have dryer skin, vaginal dryness, and you try to avoid sex with your husband because you're never in the mood.

"What's going on? I'm not even 40 yet and I feel this way. I started to have irregular periods - last time it was three weeks delayed - sometimes I have strong PMS symptoms, couple with lack of energy, which is really irritating. I also feel bloated, constipated - it is all overwhelming."

"Where is my health? I want it back! I want to feel good again. I need my emotional balance and mental clarity so I can run the household properly and enjoy my children!"

"I still have dreams to accomplish, I have plans for the future, I 'm still young. Instead of surviving I want to live joyfully and find my bliss!

At only 40 years of age, can I really be entering the down side of aging? Can this be menopause?"

No, not necessarily.

The preparation stage before menopause is called perimenopause; it takes place over several years in advance of menopause. But you may not even be there yet.

Your body is telling you that is is ready for some changes. And if you lovingly listen to what is telling you, you can prepare yourself for the next phase of your life. It is time to be aware of what's going on inside of you, and time to look after yourself, to really love yourself and your body.

If you have done some research already, you know about female hormones, about possible imbalances of estrogen, thyroid, adrenals and more.

I recommend you have a talk with your doctor\Obgyn, and prepare specific questions about your symptoms. Get the blood and saliva tests to know the health of your hormones. It is nice to educate yourself on the matter, to know more, so that you will better understand what is happening to you. The doctor can explain a lot about the symptoms you may experience, such as:

irregular periods

heavy periods

lack of energy

mood swings

insomnia

hot flashes

bloated stomach

breast tenderness

vaginal dryness

loss of hair

anemia

headaches

decreased libido

thyroid and adrenal imbalance

loss of estrogen

After the doctor's visit you may feel calmer, and you will know you did a good thing, you took care of yourself by taking an action. Keep loving and taking care of your body!