Fluctuating hormones can wreak havoc. Since birth and we’ve been constantly adapting to the fluctuations that come from every stage in life. From puberty through reproduction, and then through perimenopause, we are constantly going through some fluctuation or transition into the next phase. As women begin to enter menopause there are a number of symptoms that you may experience that directly relate to your body’s natural change in hormones.
Unfortunately, these symptoms aren’t always treated as they should be even by a gynecologist (by many primary doctors). It isn’t until women have come in to speak with me about the possibility of hormone changes that their symptoms have been effectively dealt with. Consider the following symptoms, whether you are experiencing them, and how you’re currently dealing with them:
- Heart Palpitations – Palpitations are a very common symptom that send many women to the emergency room. As estrogen levels decrease and change, palpitations can be experienced, which is quite unsettling if you don’t know what it’s related to.
- Brain Fog – Brain fog, or cotton brain, as some refer to it can be alarming. It’s a symptom that can be life-changing but treatable.
- Insomnia – This is a common complaint of menopause. Oftentimes, women will have the ability to fall asleep, but then they wake up at 3 AM and can’t go back to sleep. This insomnia tends to get worse with aging unless dealt with using appropriate treatments.
- Depression – If you have a history of depression, odds are you will experience it as you go through perimenopause. Oftentimes, normal coping mechanisms won’t be as effective anymore – including antidepressants.
- Incontinence – Middle age makes jumping jacks, lifting heavy objects and laughing a risky thing! Even though this is a condition that can be improved, it’s a common result of aging that many of us deal with.
- Body changes – The dreaded “fat tire” – the bad news is that it happens, the good news is that it happens to everyone, men and women. As we age, we gain fat and the fat deposits in certain areas, especially the lower abdomen. Your physical activity becomes more important as you age, and it’s never too late to start moving and eating better!
- Skin – What we see in the mirror directly impacts our confidence and how we feel about ourselves. Years of sun exposure, ingestion of inflammatory foods, gravity, and hormone changes inevitability impact our skin and how it looks. There are a number of ways to combat what you see, but it takes a concerted effort.
- Hair – Perimenopause can mean losing hair in places you want it, and growing hair in places you don’t! One of the most common complaints I hear from women is about thinning hair, especially in the front and the crown on their heads.
These changes are natural and unavoidable. However, there are options to help mitigate the changes and make you the best version of yourself. It’s not about changing your overall look, but being the healthiest, best version of you. Learn more about treatment options for each and every one of these symptoms by visiting my practice website.