Learn more about treatment options for symptoms of Menopause here
Perimenopause is a time period in a woman's life that can be a difficult transition for some women. It is the time when a woman's body starts to transition towards menopause. Perimenopause starts at different ages for different women. It usually begins sometime in your 40's, however some women begin to experience the symptoms of perimenopause as early as their mid 30's.
Perimenopause is a natural, normal transition period that happens in a woman's life. However, the extent and intensity of the symptoms of perimenopause can vary greatly between women.
Most women experience menstrual irregularities, their period is different from before. Their cycle may be shorter or longer. Menstrual flow may be lighter or heavier. Some women experience symptoms that are difficult to tolerate such as hot flashes, mood changes, irritability or loss of libido.
Our adrenal health plays a very important role in our overall hormone health. Our adrenal glands produce sex hormones. These are the same hormones that decline in levels during perimenopause and menopause. Supporting our adrenal health can have a profound positive effect when managing the symptoms of perimenopause.
There is a very informative test available that does a great job of testing both our sex hormones and adrenal hormones. The DUTCH complete test measures your Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and metabolites of these hormones from a urine sample. It also measures your free cortisol and cortisone levels. This is very helpful information when determining the role that stress hormones play in your overall hormone health. We can also gain insights on the best ways to treat your hormone symptoms,considering your overall hormone levels. For example, if your stress hormone levels are not balanced, adding Adrenal adaptogens can help reduce or eliminate your troublesome hormone symptoms.
Adaptogens are a class of plants whose active compounds help to balance and restore a person's adrenal health. They support and strengthen the adrenal glands. Adrenal adaptogens can be a life-saver for many women experiencing perimenopausal hormone symptoms. They can help increase energy, improve memory, reduce anxiety, reduce irritability, and even balance out menstrual irregularities.
Adrenal adaptogens are not for everyone. They are more likely to benefit a woman who has been through a lot of stress in her life.
If you are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms that are difficult to tolerate, book an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors. Through a thorough evaluation of your medical history, hormone history and testing your hormones (both adrenal and sex hormones), we can develop a treatment plan to help you manage your hormone symptoms. Schedule your appointment today!
Yours in health,
Dr. Tasreen Alibhai, ND