The word menopause is derived from the Greek pausis (cessation) and the root men (month) – or the end of the monthly cycle. In many ways menopause is the opposite of puberty, you know the stage of life when females become fertile. Remember when you started that period? Oh my gosh the flood of emotions, the mood swings, the acne, the bloating, the cravings – wait does that sound familiar? Perimenopause is similar to the years leading up to puberty. Just as in the years prior to your first period, which is now coming earlier and earlier for this generation, hormone levels are once again chaotic.
During perimenopause you need your ovaries, thyroid, and adrenal glands working at their best for your best, but many things are now conspiring against you. Well, I am sure you don’t want to hear this, but you are aging! Yes indeed your body is getting older and with that comes the natural body shut down of those precious ovaries. You are no longer ovulating every month, so your periods get shorter in frequency, or longer, or altogether unpredictable. Isn’t that something to look forward too? That was the most frustrating part of it was not knowing when or where, you know what I mean. But there is light at the end of the period I promise.
Ok, so your ovaries are no longer producing as many ripe eggs, the pituitary gland cranks up production of the control hormones – follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate the ovaries to do more. Soon your FSH numbers are reaching 50, and you’re have power surges (hot flashes), and sweaty, and your thyroid becomes sluggish, your metabolism slows, your weight starts to climb (even if you eat less and exercise more), your moods become erratic…wow are we having fun yet! Life is unpredictable! This is a journey and I am here to help you maneuver the yellow brick road. Tell me about your journey below!
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