Perimenopause is a transition phase before menopause when the ovaries begin to stop producing both oestrogen and progesterone.

When does perimenopause start?

It is generally accepted that perimenopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. As a result, many women going through the perimenopause experience a whole array of symptoms attributed to the declining female hormones and the relative imbalance between these hormones. The symptoms of low progesterone are different to those of low oestrogen and the relative amounts of these two hormones will determine the symptoms experienced. Progesterone levels normally decline well before oestrogen does resulting in what is termed ‘oestrogen dominance’ with its own array of symptoms. The impact of these low female hormones is very widespread affecting virtually all other body systems.

Common perimenopause symptoms

During perimenopause, early symptoms may be missed easily because of the decline in oestrogen which for some can fall quickly, and for others slowly. However, many women do experience some of the symptoms of perimenopause including hot flushes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, and tiredness. These symptoms can be disruptive but fortunately there are natural remedies for perimenopause including supplements for perimenopause which can help to make this transition phase more manageable.

Symptoms of perimenopause include:

Erratic periods and changes in monthly flow: During perimenopause, period changes may be experienced. A change in the monthly cycle is the most common indicator of perimenopause. The duration of your period may also change, and your monthly flow can change from light to heavy or even the other way round.

Breast pain: During perimenopause, breast pain may also be experienced.

Hot flushes and sweats: Another common sign of perimenopause; hot flushing is experienced as a wave of heat often originating in the chest and neck moving upward into the face and scalp. Unlike menopause where these hot flushes are usually regular and numerous, hot flushes during the perimenopause are usually infrequent and rather abrupt.

Stress and anxiety: Since virtually every single hormonal gland is affected, the adrenals, responsible for stress management and energy enhancement, also get affected. Female hormonal imbalance leads to an over-production of cortisol which blocks the uptake of the nerve calming and mood elevating hormone, serotonin. If these symptoms arise without undue known stressors, then you may be going through the perimenopause.

Fatigue: During perimenopause, fatigue is a common feature since the production of stress hormones means the adrenals cannot produce their energising hormones.

Sleep disturbances: An over-production of cortisol by the adrenals because of female hormonal imbalances leads to a reduction in serotonin uptake by the brain. Serotonin is converted into melatonin, the sleep hormone, at nighttime thus serotonin deficiency invariably leads to problems associated both with sleep induction, quality of sleep and the duration of sleep.

Urinary tract infections: Some women going through the perimenopause experience urinary tract infections for the first time and will often experience recurring episodes. This is because the tube that connects to the bladder, the urethra, is oestrogen sensitive. When oestrogen levels are low, the lining of this tube becomes inflamed and infected. Recurring urinary tract infections may be indicative of perimenopause.

There are many other symptoms that may be experienced during perimenopause including bloating, weight gain, hair loss, as well as joint pain. Not every woman will suffer from all the symptoms.

Natural treatment and remedies for perimenopause

Many women find relief from the symptoms of perimenopause through lifestyle adjustments and by taking natural remedies such as vitamins and herbal supplements to help achieve hormonal balance, and these include:

• During perimenopause, diets rich in phytoestrogens, which are plant oestrogens, such as flaxseeds and lentils will help to stabilise hormones.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake to minimise hot flushes and improve sleep.
  
• Regular exercise improves heart health, circulation, and mood.
  
• During perimenopause, supplements containing sage, hops, and red clover contain plant oestrogens which help to minimise the impact of many of the symptoms of perimenopause.
  

Which is the best natural remedy for perimenopause?

Whilst taking change of your lifestyle will be of value, I believe natural supplements for perimenopause can prove to be invaluable in addressing many, if not all, of the symptoms of perimenopause.

Supplements such as DoSe Sage Complex contain the most comprehensive blend of plant oestrogens from sage, red clover, and hops which together help to reduce some of the symptoms. Sage Complex also contains adaptogens such as Siberian ginseng to help in improving mood and energy.

Many women going through the perimenopause experience some of the concerns mentioned above and yet never seem to fully understand why. They often treat these symptoms rather than the cause which is why I often recommend the use of supplements with plant oestrogens such as Sage Complex as part of a holistic approach. In my opinion nearly every woman over the age of 35, with a few exceptions, should consider the use of perimenopause supplements such as Sage Complex to help achieve hormonal balance, energy, vitality, and to protect the body against many possible health concerns in the future.