And just when you thought you were almost ready to meet this thing called "Menopause" they throw in yet another condition! "Perimenopause" is what we are now told to prepare for. "What is this new condition about? ... " and how come my mother doesn't know what it is?"

Technically, menopause refers to the last menstrual cycle a woman has. However, many of the symptoms associated with menopause actually occur before the last menstrual cycle ­ hence the prefix "peri" meaning "about".

The natural transition of a gradual decline in female hormones typically occurs within the ages of 45 to 55. First signs of this would be either the lengthening or the shortening of the interval between periods, and changes in the menstrual flow. The role of these hormones is to make childbearing possible. They are responsible for the building up and releasing of the uterus lining, the strengthening of bones, and maintaining sexual characteristics.

Once these hormones begin to decline, many women may experience hot flashes, moodiness, night sweats, heart palpitations, bloating, breast tenderness, loss of skin tone, or insomnia. These problems are not inevitable with perimenopause; they can be minimized substantially by taking care of the glands that kick in for the missing hormones ­ known as the adrenal glands. They produce a number of hormones which fill in for the declining estrogen and progesterone levels, and consequently help greatly to reduce the symptoms that come with perimenopause.

in a woman by this stage of her life, caused in part to our modern day lifestyle. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, smoking, salt, allergies, chronic inflammation, prolonged stress, and too little exercise, all stress the adrenals. They are strengthened by B complex vitamins especially B5 and B12, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, potassium, zinc, and L-Tyrosine.

Perimenopausal symptoms can also be lessened by consuming natural substances called Phytoestrogens ­ found in many whole foods and herbs. They can mimic the actions of the declining hormones. Choose soybean products, legumes, garlic, alfalfa, cabbage, broccoli, kale, beets, bok choy, cauliflower, collard greens, brussel sprouts, parsley, cherries, whole grains, seaweed, sage, and fennel.

Ref:
1. Knight DC, et al "A review of the clinical effects of phytoestrogens" Obstet Gynecol 1996; 87:897-904.

2. Hormones for Menopause by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D.
3. Polkowski, K et al ³Biological properties of genistein. A review of in vitro and in vivo data² Acta Pol Pharm 2000; Mar - Apr 57(2) 135-55
4. PMS, Menopause and Hysterectomy by Dr. K. Donsbach D.C., N.D., Ph.D.

From Wellness Times, Old Fashion Foods