10 Things Every Woman Should Know About Perimenopause
If you’ve been swirling in a sea of confusion about perimenopause, you’re not alone. Perimenopause is a chapter of life that has many of us scratching our heads. For some, it’s a breeze; for others, a series of puzzling symptoms. Here’s the kicker, perimenopause is not a diagnosable condition and you aren’t sick. For better or worse it’s a natural phase of a woman’s life that no one really tells us about. Here’s 10 things that every woman should know about perimenopause.
What Exactly is Perimenopause?
It’s a transition, the 20-10 years in the lead up to menopause (when we’ve gone a year with no period) Think puberty, but the sequel. Your hormones are on a rollercoaster, marking the most significant hormonal shift since your teenage years. Understanding this helps us navigate with more grace and confidence.
Spotting the Early Signs
From the infamous hot flashes to unexplained weight gain and sleepless nights, the early Signs and Symptoms of perimenopause are diverse. Your experiences are unique to you, but knowing the common symptoms can help you spot them early.
Manage Hot Flashes Like a Pro
Hot flashes and night sweats, be gone! Simple lifestyle tweaks, like reducing alcohol and layering your clothing, can make a world of difference. Also, keeping cool with fans and light, layered bedding can help you combat those warm surges.
Exercise Wisely
Listen to your body. If a workout leaves you energised, awesome. If it drains you, it’s time to reassess. This stage might call for gentler activities like yoga or Pilates. Remember, it’s all about keeping you moving and feeling great.
Nutrition is Key
Focus on whole foods, plenty of proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrients are power players in stabilising blood sugar, supporting mood, and keeping you satiated. And let’s give carbs some love – plant based carbs are crucial for stress management and thyroid health. Think potato, brown rice, oats, fruit and veggies.
Sleep and Stress Management
Quality z’s and keeping stress at bay are pivotal. They’re interconnected – better sleep leads to less stress, which then leads to more energy for exercise, and so on. It’s all about finding balance and creating good habits you can continue.
Navigating HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has evolved and can be a life-changer for some. Hate to say it, but It’s not a magic pill on its own. You still need to prioritise lifestyle adjustments such as your nutrition, alcohol intake, sleep and stress levels.
Mood Swings and How to Cope
Feeling more irritable than usual? You’re not alone. Boundaries are your best friend here. Self care becomes a necessity, not a luxury to help level out those mood swings.
Intimacy and Connection
Changes in libido and physical comfort are common, but there are plenty of ways to adapt and maintain intimacy. Communication with your partner is key, and don’t be shy to explore solutions together. No partner… no problems. You’re a capable woman.
Exploring Natural Remedies
While supplements might not be the miracle cure, incorporating acupuncture, yoga, or massage into your routine can offer relief. It’s about finding what works for you and your body. Supplements to support healthy hormones and your nervous system are magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, Vit D and Vit C.
Navigating perimenopause is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. If you’re looking for support tailored to your unique needs, my Hormone Code Solution might just be what you need. Remember, you know your body best, and armed with the right information, you can make empowered decisions for your health and well-being.
About Kylie Pinwill
Kylie is an accredited nutritionist and host of The Hormone Hub podcast – for women in perimenopause and menopause.
Kylie supports busy, driven women who are feeling lethargic and foggy, struggling with weight gain, bloating and hot flushes, to balance their hormones, reset their metabolisms and better manage stress so they can feel happier, more energised, and get on with living life.
For Kylie, this stage of life can be challenging but it doesn’t need to be.
She believes that we just need to do it differently.
