Menopause Symptoms & Causes

Coping With Perimenopause

For most women, the symptoms of perimenopause subside after entering menopause.In the meantime, symptoms can be relieved to help you feel better. Leading a healthy lifestyle can keep you feeling your best. The tips below can help. Doing things you enjoy and spending time with people you love are great ways to keep your spirits up as your body goes through the changes of perimenopause..

• What happens: As hormone levels go down, periods can become irregular and hard to predict. These changes are often the first sign of perimenopause.

• What you can do: Keep pads or tampons on hand in case your period comes unexpectedly. You may also want to talk to your healthcare provider about taking birth control pills to help regulate your periods.

Menopause: Effects of Low Estrogen Levels

When your estrogen level falls, you may have symptoms. You also may be at a greater risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. Your diet, family health history, lifestyle, and other factors affect your symptoms and risks.

Flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin’s surface. This can give you a feeling of warmth (hot flash). Your face may look red (flushed). Hot flashes while you are sleeping are called night sweats.

Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. Shifting hormone levels and night sweats may disrupt your sleep. This can cause fatigue, which may make mood swings worse.