Perimenopause Signs - Friend Or Foe

Menopause is a phase women go through, similar to puberty. However, many people see it as a representation of ill health, not a natural facet of life. In part, this is because it carries some distressing symptoms with it that are uncomfortable and undesirable to those going through it and to those close to them. It also signals the end of a phase of life, as well as a loss of the ability to bear children. This can also be disheartening to some.

The First Menopause Side Effects

Menopausal changes actually begin in a stage called "perimenopause." Perimenopause can begin a decade or more before menopause, when hormone shifts begin to happen. Menopause itself usually begins to show with missed or irregular periods. Their flow may also be very erratic, from light to very heavy. Of course, women in their late 40s to 50s will be aware that they are likely experiencing menopausal changes and not be concerned about these symptoms other than perhaps to mourn the end of one phase of life. If, however, you are concerned that this may be something more serious, you will want to visit your doctor to rule out underlying health problems. Your doctor will also be able to give you suggestions to manage the uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes.

Coping with Menopause

The menopause, as mentioned earlier, is just a passing phase in a woman's life. What is needed is to recognize the menopause symptom early so you can cope with it mentally more than physically. If one is prepared for it, then it is easier to handle the onset of the symptoms than when you are not. This is true because the worst menopause symptom is not physical but mental. Women get unusually low spirits during this time, with wild mood swings that scare even them, not to mention those who live with them.

Menopause Side Effects

Handled right, everything can go smoothly from pre-menopausal to post menopausal with the least of convenience. First you need to recognize the symptoms. The physical part will consist of irregular periods mostly. The irregularity simply implying that the egg factory is closing down. Along with this, you may or may not get hot flashes and night sweats. The bad news is that hot flashes and night sweats can last for as long as five years, though medical research is trying to unlock the mystery and find a remedy.

The Mental Pressure of the Menopause Signs

As with the changes that occur through puberty, mood swings may accompany the hormonal and physical changes that are occurring. These, too, can be helped with medication, and should ease as menopause settles in and your body adjusts to the changes it has gone through.

Its important to remember that menopause side effects will impact your life. Recognizing these signs and dealing with them, will help out your family and bring you piece of mind knowing that the normal symptoms you're experiencing, are all a part of the normal cycle of life.