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I have started my journey into Perimenopause.

I realized that I had a slew of things happening in my body that were kinda weird so I decided to dig in and figure out what the heck was going on.
I realized that all the symptoms were from a combination of things.

1. Fibroids – I have 2 very large fibroids in my uterus, one the size of a golf ball and the other the size of a large orange.

2. Perimenopause – My hormones have shifted and amounts have lowered causing all kinds of symptoms that are very similar to actual Menopause.

I am 44 years old currently.

Perimenopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that marks the transition towards menopause. Ugh. This is some basic information for you that I found. Since I had no idea Perimenopause was a thing, I am sure there are more women out there like me that didn’t know also.

It typically occurs in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier for some individuals. It is basically hormonal fluctuations have a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that can be different for everyone.

My goal is to educate as I educate myself so you know you are not alone in the learning and to help embrace this transformative phase that we are going through with grace.

1. Recognizing Perimenopausal Symptoms:

• Hot flashes and night sweats – These typically happen in your upper body and head and your skin in those areas feels hot. It happens when you have an irregular hormone cycle (happens with this phase. a hilly cycle of highs and lows with estrogen)
• Irregular periods – You had nice light, regularly occurring periods and now you bleed through a super absorber pad or tampon after a couple of hours….(or is that because of the fibroids? probably both)
• Mood swings and irritability – You think PMS is bad…Peri is like getting hit with a PMS 2×4 board! I have also found that I can slump into depressive states when my hormones fluctuate now which is completely different then before.
• Sleep disturbances – 3am pee breaks from sleep are a common occurrence then I am lucky to sleep soundly after that. Also the night sweats are a pain for sleeping soundly.

2. Managing Physical Changes:

• Weight fluctuations – Weight comes on and is difficult to get off at this phase. Working with your body is key I have found out. More on this in later posts
• Vaginal dryness – Enough said about that.
• Joint and muscle pain – I have new found Knee pains and back pains that come and go. It helps to stretch and exercise.

3. Promoting Mental and Emotional Well-being:

• Anxiety and depression – As mentioned above, I have experienced this symptom to the extreme. I have learned how to manage my states and recognize that this is a hormonal issue, not a psychological episode. I have found supplements, exercise, meditation and diet help this tremendously
• Brain fog and memory issues – Have you ever walked into a room and instantly forgot why you went there in the first place? Wait, what was I saying?
• Low libido – sometimes you have to just start and your body figures it out. Remember, Your partner has needs too and helping them out usually works in your favor.

4. Self-Care and Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Healthy eating – Diet is super important to manage symptoms. Making solid lifestyle adjustments are key for keeping the annoying symptoms in check
• Regular exercise – Strength training, and body weight calisthenics are idea for weight management and mood improvement.
• Stress management – stress reduction techniques, including meditation, deep breathing exercises, and finding time for hobbies and relaxation is the main thing people neglect.

Follow me as I navigate through this journey and figure out what works for women like us. Cheers to the golden years!