"And, as we know, what we eat affects the chemicals, or hormones, in our bodies."

How to Find Out if You Have Premature Menopause


Perimenopause marks the time when your body begins its move into menopause. It includes the years leading up to menopause anywhere from two to eight years plus the first year after your final period. There is no way to tell in advance how long it will last OR how long it will take you to go through it. It's a natural part of aging that signals the ending of your reproductive years.

Perimenopause causes some changes in your body that may not be noticeable. For most women, the discomforts associated with perimenopause are minimal and manageable. Some things you might experience include:

* Night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep)
* Vaginal dryness
* Urinary incontinence
* Less interest in sex
* Changes in your menstrual cycle (longer or shorter periods, heavier or lighter periods, or missed periods)
* Hot flashes (sudden rush of heat from your chest to your head)
* Sleep problems
* Mood changes (mood swings, depression, irritability)
* Pain during sex
* More urinary infections
* Increase in body fat around your waist
* Problems with concentration and memory

By monitoring your menstrual cycle and recording your signs and symptoms for several months, you'll gain a better understanding of the changes occurring during this time. You will also have valuable information to discuss with your doctor.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are often the treatment of choice to relieve perimenopausal symptoms even if you don't need them for birth control. Today's low-dose pills regulate periods and eliminate or reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and premenstrual syndrome.

Making lifestyle changes may help ease the discomfort of your symptoms and keep you healthy in the long run.

* Good nutrition. Because your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease increases at this time, a healthy diet is more important than ever. Adopt a low-fat, high-fiber diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Add calcium-rich foods or take a calcium supplement. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can trigger hot flashes. If you smoke, try to quit.
* Regular exercise. Regular physical activity helps keep your weight down, improves your sleep, strengthens your bones, and elevates your mood. Try to exercise for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week.
* Stress reduction. Practiced regularly, stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga both can help you relax and tolerate your symptoms more easily. The "Stress and Your Health" FAQ can be a good resource as well.

If you're still having periods, even if they are not regular, you can get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control. Keep in mind that methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms will not protect you from STDs or HIV. If you use one of these methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or dental dam (used for oral sex) correctly every time you have sexual contact. Be aware that condoms don't provide complete protection against STDs and HIV the only sure protection is abstinence (not having sex of any kind). But appropriate and consistent use of latex condoms and other barrier methods can help protect you from STDs.