As you age, your body goes through many changes. You noticed it first at puberty, when you began to menstruate and sprout pubic hair. Now your body is changing once again, and this time the issue is perimenopause.
Perimenopause happens when the hormone levels in your body begin to change. At this point, you are probably still menstruating, although your periods may not be as regular as they once were. You may skip a period here and there, and you may experience shorter or longer periods when they do happen. This is all perfectly normal, but it is still important to be prepared for the changes your body is now going through.
Hormonal Changes
The same hormonal changes that originally brought on puberty are at work in your body once again. Those estrogen levels are once again changing, rising and falling, sometimes in unpredictable ways. That is why your periods may now be erratic, and why the symptoms associated with your monthly cycle now come at strange and irregular intervals.
At the same time, you may experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms as you enter and go through perimenopause. Night sweats are common at this point, as is vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. There are treatments available, and you do not have to let the symptoms of perimenopause interfere with your daily life or destroy intimacy with your partner.
Depression and Anxiety
Unfortunately, many women experience depression and anxiety along with their perimenopause symptoms. There are a number of reasons why depression and anxiety are often increased at this time of life, but it all starts with those hormonal changes.
Changes in your hormone levels can have a profound impact on your mood and how you feel. You know that from the PMS issues you may have experienced throughout your post pubescent years. Those same hormonal changes may now trigger feelings of depression and anxiety, and you should never ignore those warning signs.
See Your Doctor
If you experience new feelings of depression or anxiety as you enter perimenopause, you do not have to suffer alone. You should contact your doctor and talk about what you are experiencing. These things are perfectly normal, and there is no reason to live with those symptoms if you do not have to.
There are effective treatments of the symptoms of perimenopause, including the feelings of depression and anxiety you may now be experiencing. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can start feeling better, and there is no reason to wait.
