Perimenopause Symptoms FAQ (Part 2)

Stop Suffering From Menopause. Find Relief Now!

I am feeling so emotional lately. Is this from the changes in my hormones?

Your mood changes could be caused by a lot of factors. Some researchers believe that the decrease in estrogen triggers changes in your brain causing depression. Others think that if you’re depressed, irritable, and anxious, it’s influenced by other symptoms you’re having, such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue-not hormonal changes. Or, it could be a combination of hormone changes and symptoms. Other things that could cause depression and/or anxiety include:

* Having depression during your lifetime

* Feeling negative about menopause and getting older

* Increased stress

* Having severe menopause symptoms

* Smoking

* Not being physically active

* Not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship

* Not having a job

* Not having enough money

* Low self-esteem (how you feel about yourself)

* Not having the social support you need

* Regretful that you can’t have children anymore

What can I do to prevent or relieve symptoms of perimenopause?

* Keep a journal for a few months and write down your symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. That can help you figure out the changes you’re going through.

* Record your menstrual cycle, noting whether you have a heavy, normal, or light period.

* Find a physical activity that you’ll enjoy doing.

* Keep your body mass index (BMI) at a normal level. Figure out your BMI by going to www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.

* Talk to your friends who are in perimenopause or menopause. Most likely, they’re going through the same things you are!

* Do something new, like volunteer or take a class.

* Use a vaginal lubricant for dryness and pain during sex.

* Dress in layers.

* Try to figure out if certain triggers cause hot flashes, like spicy foods or being outside in the heat. Avoid these things.

* Talk with your doctor if you feel depressed or have any other questions about how to relieve your symptoms.

I’m going through perimenopause right now. My period is very heavy, and I’m bleeding after sex. Is this normal?

Irregular periods are common and normal during perimenopause, but not all changes in bleeding are from perimenopause or menopause. Other things can cause abnormal bleeding. Talk to your doctor if:

* The bleeding is very heavy or comes with clots

* The bleeding lasts longer than 7 days

* You have spotting or bleeding between periods

* You’re bleeding from the vagina after sex

Can I get pregnant while in perimenopause?

Yes. If you’re still having periods, you can get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control. Keep in mind that methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms will not protect you from STDs or HIV. If you use one of these methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or dental dam (used for oral sex) correctly every time you have sexual contact. Be aware that condoms don’t provide complete protection against STDs and HIV-the only sure protection is abstinence (not having sex of any kind). But appropriate and consistent use of latex condoms and other barrier methods can help protect you from STDs.

Tags: Menopause, Perimenopause