PERIMENOPAUSE: Everything you need to know

Perimenopause, also known as Pre- menopause is a crucial phase in women's lives that is often misunderstood.

As women approach their 40s and 50s, they begin to enter perimenopause, which causes significant changes in their bodies and mental states. (For some women, this change can begin as early as age 35.)

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to the day when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate and decline over the years until menopause is reached.

The loss of essential hormones can cause a multitude of symptoms in many women. These physical and emotional experiences can be uncomfortable or even debilitating for some women, while others may not experience many symptoms.

The stigma surrounding menstruation and menopause has meant that many women have not been educated to recognize the symptoms, understand treatment options, or know that relief can come from basic changes in diet and lifestyle.

Lower estrogen levels can cause symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats, dry skin, mental confusion, irritability, weight gain (especially abdominal fat), fatigue, and bone weakness.

*Tip: Take 2 Super Woman capsules to melt away stress and anxiety. Take 2 Detox capsules before bed to support the liver in eliminating toxins and to support healthy weight loss. For dry skin, which is very common, we recommend using the Revitalizing Cream on the face and the Hydrating Cream on the body.

Decreased progesterone levels typically present as fluctuating menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety or depression.

*Tip: Take 2 Super Woman capsules daily. Take 4 full droppers of sleeping drops in water before going to sleep every night.

Testosterone levels begin to decline slowly after age 30 and accelerate during perimenopause, which can result in decreased libido, vaginal dryness, inability to concentrate, and decreased muscle mass and strength.

*Tip: Take 2 Super Desire capsules daily. Add 2 teaspoons of the Focus soluble mixture to milk or water whenever you need more concentration.

There are also several other lesser-known symptoms, including tinnitus, heart palpitations, gum pain, and mood swings.

Unfortunately, women are repeatedly told that their symptoms are “normal,” and while it’s true that all menstruating women will go through perimenopause, we don’t need to suffer through these symptoms. The loss of these hormones puts women at high risk for other serious illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

By understanding perimenopause, women can better protect themselves, feel better both physically and mentally, improve their long-term health, and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

Understanding our bodies is crucial to determining whether symptoms are related to perimenopause or a more serious condition.

If you are experiencing uncomfortable or disturbing symptoms, contact your doctor to discuss treatment options. While one of the best ways to manage perimenopausal symptoms is to take care of your body – eating well, exercising, reducing stress, and getting as much sleep as possible.