Do you feel like you’re riding a hormonal rollercoaster? YES!!!!! Have your periods become irregular or have you suddenly started having worse problems with your periods? YES! If so, you may be riding a hormonal rollercoaster without even knowing it. If you’re ready to start feeling like yourself again, natural remedies and a healthy lifestyle can help. I have wanted to start feeling like myself again for years! How long does this have to go on!!!!!

What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a natural, normal time in a woman’s life when her body begins its transition into menopause. Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause, which officially starts when a woman’s period has completely stopped for one year. Perimenopause, can range from two to ten years, depending on the woman. 2-10 years! Haven't we suffered enough with 40+ years of a monthly cycle!!!!??!!! Natural, normal time in a woman's life.... well, you can have natural!

While it is a perfectly natural phase of a woman’s life, it isn’t always easy to bear. Not easy to bear? That is saying it mildly! Many women suffer tremendously during the perimenopausal years, while others experience no symptoms at all. I am in the many! Most women begin perimenopause in their forties, but it can start as early as the mid-thirties. Perimenopause is the span of time when you notice that your periods are changing to one year after they completely stop. That’s when menopause begins. WHEN???? When does it stop?????

The Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause
Perimenopause can cause a whole range of symptoms. Some women experience many symptoms while others may only experience one or two. I experience many.. ain't I lucky!!!! The main symptoms include:

1. Menstrual irregularities: You may experience changes in the intervals between periods or skip some periods altogether. The flow may be scanty or profuse. Ovulation may become more erratic as well. You may be vulnerable to anemia if your periods are heavy. How about a cycle that goes every 2 weeks? TMI for you????

2. and 3. Hot flashes and night sweats: Between 75 and 85 percent of women experience hot flashes during perimenopause. The intensity, frequency, and duration may vary. Oh really???? I hadn't noticed!

4. Sleep problems: Often hot flashes are to blame for the sleep disturbances or fatigue that can be linked to perimenopause. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, oh, am I supposed to be awake?

5. Mood changes: Fluctuating hormones can cause mood swings, depression, irritability, difficulty handling stress or anxiety. I AM NOT IN A BAD MOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. Vaginal problems: As estrogen diminishes, vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity, making intercourse painful or uncomfortable. Men, listen up & offer up some understanding instead having your penis rule your mind!

7. Bladder problems: Lower estrogen levels may leave you more vulnerable to urinary tract infections or loss of tissue tone, which may also contribute to incontinence. YES, I am in the bathroom again!

8. Decreasing fertility: Because ovulation becomes less regular, the ability to conceive may decrease. As long as you’re having periods, though, pregnancy remains possible. Pregnancy, who said anything about that!!!

9. Decreased libido: Sexual desire and arousal may gradually decline; however, stresses in life can also play a role, so it is essential to reduce stress. A supportive and loving partner certainly lessens the effects of hormones. Men, listen up & offer up some understanding instead having your penis rule your mind!

10. Body and skin changes: Muscle mass may decrease and body fat may increase as estrogen levels fall. Abdominal fat may increase. A regular exercise program can counter these effects. Lower levels of estrogen may affect the collagen in your skin, making it thinner and less elastic. OH, is that what happened to my face??? And I do exercise & the fat still wants to "settle"!

11. Loss of bone mass: As estrogen levels decline, you may lose bone faster than it has been replaced, increasing your risk of osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercise and a diet rich in usable calcium and other minerals as well as vitamin D can help keep your bones strong. Ah, finally something I can say YES to!

12. Changing cholesterol levels: Declining estrogen may result in increased LDL (”bad”) cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of heart disease. Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains can help keep cholesterol levels low. Eat this way anyways. Don't wait for the change in life time!

13. Sore breasts: some women experience painful breasts just prior to and during their periods while others have sore breasts most of the time. Some women may be vulnerable to fibrocystic breasts. Just great! If they are going to be painful, why can't I have more of them & why are they headed south!

14. Migraines: severe, one-sided headaches that often include sharp pain through one eye, seeing auras, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. The blurred vision kept me from seeing him when I knocked into him for "bothering" me at the wrong time of month!!! Oh, is that all month long now???

Many women report other signs or symptoms during perimenopause, including dreams of pregnancy or thoughts of babies, nausea, or hunger. Pregnancy & babies.. NOT!!!! Hunger... a resounding YES! Pass those carbs!

Perimenopause is not a disease or a life sentence. It isn't????? Every woman’s experience is different. However, if you are experiencing any of the uncomfortable or painful symptoms mentioned above, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalances that might need addressing. And, keep in mind that you don’t need to experience all of these symptoms to be perimenopausal. With so many treatment options like bioidentical (natural) hormone replacement therapy, traditional botanical remedies, and nutritional approaches to perimenopause, there’s no need to suffer. Speak to your doctor or natural health care practitioner to find the option(s) that best help restore balance in your body during this transitional time in life.Michelle Schoffro Cook, RNCP, ROHP, DAc, DNM

Hope you all enjoyed a "stroll" through my life in perimenopause!!!! Hope you got some laughs out of it too! Yes, I am surviving BUT it has been difficult & going thru another stage now with weight sticking to me like crazy & not wanting to go away no matter what I do!!!!!

I am still working out hard & wanting to take my Fit at 52 picture .... OH YES, the 52 is coming soon this month of November!!!!

Anything you want to share????