Perimenopause and Menopause

November 30, 2004

Hi Kathleen and all,

There is much confusion on the topic of perimenopause and menopause.

It can seem very overwhelming and complicated in the beginning. The

majority of women are completely unprepared for this time of life,

and lack important skills and knowledge to smoothly navigate through

what can be many years of symtpoms.

So, please know that I don't intend to insult the intelligence of

anyone here with these basics.

A woman is not " officially " in menopause until she has gone an

entire year without a period. Still, there are some women who will

go a year or longer, and then suddenly begin a cycle again. Sorry to

be the bearer of such news girls.

Perimenopause (or premenopause) refers to what can be the many years

leading to actual menopause (typically about age 51). Perimenopause

can last between 5-10 years, give or take a few. Some women begin to

notice hormone fluctuations in their mid-30's. My first night sweats

were at 37, but with only a week until my 49th birthday, I'm still

in perimenopause.

It's actually during these perimenopausal years when our hormones

begin to fluctuate wildly (due to a drop in progesterone) and our

symptoms are the most disturbing and uncomfortable.

This is the time when everything unhealed will demand your attention.

This is not only physical, but also emotional, mental and spiritual.

Perimenopause provides an excellent opportunity to heal old wounds

and bring balance to every aspects of the self. It's a time to

create lasting health and happiness for the last half of life.

More to come,

Michelle

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