One of the best ways to handle the age of perimenopause is to educate yourself about this new phase of your life. Knowing what to expect will reduce the stress level during perimenopause and improve the quality of life after perimenopause and menopause. You will be happy to know that women that have completed this phase in their lives report feeling more confident, empowered, and energized than when they younger.

Perimenopause starts anywhere from two to ten years prior to your actual period ending. The estrogen levels decreases and you can experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood changes, joint aches and pains. In addition, your period's length may become shorter or longer, and you may experience vaginal dryness. Your skin becomes thinner and drier giving birth to wrinkles.

Eventhough, your periods may be irregular your body still ovulates and therefore can conceive. So, until your period totally stops continue taking measures to avoid any unwanted pregnancies. While at the doctor you might want discuss whether your current method of contraception still meets your needs. However, if you still want to have children then see your physician sooner than later to maintain fertility at proper levels.

If you suspect any of the perimenopause symptoms you should consult your doctor and start taking estrogen or progesterone therapy. Take an active role in this phase of your life and do your research prior to visiting to the doctor. Having some basic knowledge on the subject will ensure an easier discussion on the pro and cons of each of these therapies or other treatments.

Remember your doctor needs to take into consideration your medical condition and your family's history in deciding the best treatment for you. The benefits of starting a treatment sooner rather than later, is that your hormones will remain around their normal levels. This will help experience less severe symptoms.

Changing few things in your existing life style can help you reduce the severity of these symptoms. You can start by taking up an aerobic or dancing class. If your budget or family demands don't allow time for a class, then perhaps consider other types of exercises such as running, swimming, or walking.


Adjusting your eating habits can also help reduce the intensity of the symptoms of perimenopause. For example stop eating junk food and add more fruits and vegetables to your daily routine.

The decline in estrogen levels affects the balance between bone removal and bone formation. Bone removal outweights the formation and bone loss occurs. This is when you are risk of developing osteoporis. Serious hip fractures land in the bed for very long time and cause other health problems (lung and heart) from inactivity.

After discussing it with your doctor start taking vitamin D and calcium supplements to compensate your body's natural declining supply.

Eventhough perimenopause is an individual phase, it can last for upto four year, and it ends when menopause begins. Meaning you will have gone without a period for 12 months in a row.