Comments on: 6 Facts About Your Period or Menstrual Cycle

By: Laurie PK

Laurie PK — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:52:18 +0000

Lorraine — it’s absolutely possible that you’re in perimenopause! You could get a second opinion from another GP….but I don’t know that an “official diagnosis” matters. There aren’t any cures for menopause — there are only different ways to manage the mood swings, headaches, and weight struggles.

I just wrote an article for alive magazine about menopause and perimenopause — and here are a few exerpts that you may be interested in:

If you’ve seen no evidence of your period for 12 consecutive months, then you’re officially in menopause. Perimenopause is the period before menopause, and involves hormone-related symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness, and decreased libido.

“Every woman experiences menopause differently,” says Dr Melinda Ring, Medical Director at the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness in Illinois. “Some sail through with no problems, while others have debilitating symptoms that interfere with daily activities and quality of life.” Lifestyle, genetics, and hormone metabolism all play a role – and Dr Ring adds that a woman’s view of menopause also affects her experience.

Signs of menopause can occur from age 35 to 59; some women start noticing changes in their early 30’s. According to Dr Mary Jane Minkin, MD, co-author of A Woman’s Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause, hot flashes and sleeplessness are the two most common symptoms in North American women.

Mood swings, weight gain, and decreased libido are other symptoms of perimenopause.

If you like, I can send you the article I wrote on menopause, which includes many solutions for symptoms. The article won’t be out until July 2009 issue of alive, but if you email me lauriekienlen at yahoo.ca and I’ll send it to you. It should help — and it lists a couple of books on menopause, as well.

Warm regards,
Laurie

By: Lorraine A

Lorraine A — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:00:19 +0000

I believe that I am in my perimenopausal state but my GP doesn’t think so. I am almost 46 and for the past couple of years I have noticed a distinct change in my moods. My periods have become regular for the first time in my life, my breasts are overly senstive and painful, I am very moody, tired and suffering painful headaches and I just cannot lose weight.

I have had my blood tested twice in the past year and each time my GP advises that I am ‘within the normal range’. Is tha normal for all women or normal for me?

Could it be possible that I am perimenopausal?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

By: Kelly D

Kelly D — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:46:11 +0000

The day immediately before my period I know that it is coming because I am dog tired. It’s almost like I can barely stay awake as the day progresses. Also, pre-IVF my cycles were irregular, now that I’ve got my hormones in line I’m as regular as they come – very strange.