Flickr via acearchie
There are a myriad of symptoms included in this time period of hormonal transition generally called peri-menopause (literally meaning the time around menses stop).
It can be confusing to determine but remember ALL women go through this stage of change though some have a rougher time than others.
In general ,these 5 areas are what you need to review to accurately determine if you are peri-menopausal or not.
I also want you to be aware that it is usually not necessary to get all the hormones tested as media/book “gurus’ imply or implore.
1. Are you experiencing a change in frequency, nature or flow of menstrual cycles?
2. Are you in your 40s and upwards?
3. Was your physical exam normal?
4. Do you have minimal or no risk for breast or gynecological cancers (ovarian or uterine cancers)?
-We are talking family history of these kinds of cancer.
5. Are you experiencing the classic signs- insomnia, hot flashes, moodiness or impatience, increased fatigue, joint pains, skin, hair and nail changes?
If you answered yes to all 5 questions, you are very likely going through the “change”– menopause is round the corner. Of course this is not all inclusive list of considerations but would cover most women going through this normal part of aging.
Anyone with variations would need to look for other conditions that “mimic” peri-menopause- this list can include PREGNANCY!
Yup, there are 48 year olds who come into my office mistaking their late-in-life conception as menopause or peri-menopause.
So you answered yes to all 5 questions, menopause it is and you are asking “what can I do about the annoyingly frustrating hot flashes and irritability”?
No worries because we’ve got you covered! The Menopause Treatment Option Pros and Cons Cheat Sheet 
provides you with the following;
1. All of the most common non-medicinal, herbal supplements and prescription options for managing those hot flashes.
2. This valuable cheat sheet goes over the upsides and the pitfalls of each treatment options with goal of helping you pick the right choice for YOU.
The Menopause Treatment Option Pros and Cons Cheat Sheet is available below to only logged in Healthgist members.
Not yet a member? Create your account now. It’s FREE!
[show_to accesslevel=’Healthgist Free Account’][show_to accesslevel=’Healthgist Membership Plus’]
Good info to know. I dread the change but will take it one day at a time.
I’ve got a few years, but I’ll have to bookmark this for when the time does come. Oh the joys of being a woman!
Great tips! Hopefully I won’t be experiencing any of this for another 20 years, but I know I will need to inform future patients.
This is great information for women out there- I’ll have to keep this in mind a few years down the road.
Even though I am only 31, my doctor told me I am having all the signs of early menopause… thanks to some medication.
My Gyn doctor said she knew I was pre-menopausal because one of my complaints was “wanting to kill my husband.” She said she hears that a lot!
I hear you Gina. I had one husband tell me to either get his pre-menopausal wife some hormones or take her home with me for exactly the same reasons.
I still have a few years to go but I’ll definitely keep these in mind!