Over 40? Keep reading!

If you are in your 40's odds are you're perimenopausal. Before we review what that means, first let's get our terms straight. Perimenopause is when your hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) start to decline and you notice something starting to change (period cycles, mental health, physical health, sleep). Menopause is when you've gone one whole year without your period (and you haven't had an ablation or your uterus removed). Post menopause is after that year.

Now, let's review most of the symptoms of perimenopause because I think so many woman assume that it's just hot flashes.

• Brain Fog

• Night sweats

• Joint/muscle pain

• Irregular periods (either lighter, heavier, closer or spread out)

• Irritibility

• Sensitive to sounds

• Itchy or tingling skin (or feeling like you have a bug crawling on you)

• Overactive bladder

• Anxiety/depression

• Vertigo

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

• Sleep issues (falling asleep or staying asleep)

• Change in cholestrol levels

• Low libido

• Painful sex

• Weight gain

• Heart palpitations

• Bloating/digestive issues

• Body odor

• Hair loss

• Bone loss

• Allergies

• Bleeding gums

• Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)

WHY are there so many symptoms? Because we have hormone receptors on EVERY cell in our body! As our ovaries age, the adrenal glands try to pick up the slack, but they have a more important role... help combat stress! If you're stressed, you're adrenals will prioritze cortisol (the stress hormone) before any of our sex hormones. While we may not be able to alleviate all the stressors in our life, we can change how we deal with it.

So what should we do if we start experiencing any of these symptoms?

STEP ONE: Track your cycle and your symptoms

STEP TWO: Start the conversation with your OB or GP

STEP THREE: If your doc is not knowledgeble in menopause care, time to go shopping for someone who is. You can start at www.menopause.org and search menopause practitioners in your area.

STEP FOUR: Start making lifestyle changes now, so your body will have the best outcomes either going through the menopause transition without added hormones, or have a better experience with the addition of hormones.

This lifestyle bit is where I can help! It can all feel so overwhelming and this is where health coaches shine.

Book a FREE discovery call today to see if health coaching is a good fit for you!

Resources: www.themenopausecharity.org, www.mayoclinic.org, www.menopause.org