Period Changes
Perimenopause is the time in a woman’s life when her ovaries start to produce less estrogen and progesterone. This can cause a number of changes to her periods, including:
- Irregular periods: Periods may become shorter or longer, or they may come more or less often.
- Heavy bleeding: Periods may become heavier or lighter.
- Bleeding between periods: This is called spotting.
- Painful periods: Periods may become more painful.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Symptoms of PMS, such as mood swings, fatigue, and breast tenderness, may become worse.
These changes are usually gradual, and they may not all happen at the same time. Some women may experience only a few of these changes, while others may experience all of them.
Perimenopause can last for several years, and it is a normal part of a woman’s life. However, if you are concerned about any changes to your periods, talk to your doctor.
Here are some additional tips for managing changes to your periods during perimenopause:
- Keep track of your periods: This will help you to identify any changes in your cycle.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to regulate your hormones and improve your overall health.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, and regulate your hormones.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep can help to reduce stress and improve your overall health.
- Manage stress: Stress can worsen perimenopausal symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
- Talk to your doctor: If you are concerned about any changes to your periods, talk to your doctor. They can help you to understand what is happening and recommend treatment options if needed.
Treatment & Help For Period Changes
There are a number of treatments available to help manage period changes in perimenopause. The best treatment for you will depend on your individual symptoms and medical history.
Some of the most common treatments for period changes in perimenopause include:
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy (HT) is a medication that contains estrogen and/or progesterone. HT can help to regulate your hormones and reduce the severity of perimenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. However, HT also has some risks, so it is important to talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you.
- Over-the-counter medications: There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to manage period changes in perimenopause. These medications can help to reduce the severity of hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
There are a number of herbal remedies that have been shown to be effective in managing period changes in perimenopause. Some of the most common include:
BLACK COHOSH
Black cohosh is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of women’s health problems, including hot flashes, night sweats, and irregular periods. It is thought to work by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, which can help to regulate hormone levels.
RED CLOVER
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant that contains compounds called isoflavones, which are similar to the hormone estrogen. Due to its estrogen-like properties, red clover has been studied as a natural remedy for managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. It is thought to work by increasing levels of the hormone melatonin, which can help to regulate the menstrual cycle.
DONG QUAI
Dong (Angelica sinensis), also known as female ginseng is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health problems, including irregular periods. It is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the body, which can help to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Dong quai contains compounds known as phytoestrogens, which can have estrogen-like effects in the body. This has led to its use as a potential hormone replacement therapy alternative for perimenopausal and menopausal women. However, the estrogenic effects of dong quai are relatively weak compared to pharmaceutical estrogen.
GINSENG
Ginseng is a root that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought to work by improving circulation and reducing stress, both of which can help to regulate the menstrual cycle.
It contains compounds called ginsenosides, which may have estrogen-like effects in the body. These effects could potentially help balance hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause. However, ginseng’s estrogenic activity is relatively weak compared to pharmaceutical estrogen.
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AGNUS CASTUS
Agnus castus, also known as Vitex agnus-castus or Chaseberry is a popular herbal remedy that is sometimes used to help manage various menstrual and hormonal issues, including those experienced during perimenopause. It is often suggested for conditions such as irregular periods, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and other menstrual symptoms.
It is is believed to have an impact on the hormonal system by influencing the pituitary gland’s function, which in turn can help regulate the menstrual cycle. This action may be helpful for women experiencing irregular periods during perimenopause.