Symptoms of premenopause and methods of preventing complications of the condition

A woman's reproductive system has limitations in its functioning. The ovarian reserve is established in the womb. Over the course of life, the number of eggs decreases and is not replenished. Over the age of 45, ovarian function gradually declines as a result of hormonal changes. From this moment, menopause begins, accompanied by a number of distinctive signs.

Stages of menopause

Menopause is a natural process of extinction of ovarian function.

It is characterized by a decrease in progesterone and estrogen, resulting in an impact not only on the menstrual cycle, but also on the functioning of the entire life support system.

There are three stages of menopause development:

1. Premenopause. The average duration of the initial stage is four years. During this period, a woman experiences menstrual irregularities and the first signs of menopause.
2. Menopause. The second stage occurs 12 months after the last menstruation. Its peak occurs between the ages of 50 and 52 years. Menopausal symptoms manifest themselves most acutely.
3. Postmenopause. At the last stage, a woman’s reproductive function stops and the aging process begins. In this case, there are no pronounced symptoms of menopause. Pregnancy during this period is impossible.

What determines the timing of perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the initial stage of menopause. Its development is accompanied by changes in the nature and frequency of menstruation. The decline of the reproductive system function occurs on an individual basis. The rate of onset of perimenopause depends on a combination of factors. These include the following:

• lifestyle (smoking and drinking alcohol bring menopause closer);
• speed of puberty during puberty;
• neurological disorders;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• heredity;
• infectious diseases;
• presence of children (childless women experience menopause earlier);
• chronic diseases of the reproductive system;
• irradiation of the body (work in hazardous industries, treatment of oncology, etc.).

What happens during perimenopause

Irregularities in the menstrual cycle during this period are caused by changes in hormones . The level of progesterone and estrogen gradually decreases, and follicle-stimulating hormone increases. The number of androgens in the body decreases, but much more slowly. This imbalance leads to an excess of male hormones over female ones.

Changes in hormonal levels affect the physical and psychological health of a woman.

Menstruation is chaotic, intermenstrual bleeding . But the opposite situation is also possible, when lean and rare critical days .

Symptoms of premenopause

Changes in the functioning of the reproductive system are accompanied by a number of characteristic signs. Each woman has a different intensity of their manifestation. The main symptoms of premenopause include:

• migraine;
• violation of the regularity of menstruation;
• painful sensations in the chest;
• nervous disorders;
• weight gain;
• decreased libido;
• tides;
• osteoporosis;
• abdominal pain;
• genitourinary diseases;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

  Symptoms, causes and treatment of cystitis during menopause

Psycho-emotional health

Hormone surges primarily affect the state of the nervous system.

During this period, the woman experiences a sharp change in mood , decreased performance and an anxious state .

If you do not pay attention to the symptoms, psychosomatic diseases . The consequences of this condition include problems communicating with loved ones .

Irregular periods

Menstrual irregularities are caused by a decrease in hormones. During premenopause, critical days are chaotic . They can be both scarce and abundant. The duration of the menstrual period extends to 50-60 days. Anovulatory cycles are more common than ovulatory cycles.

Tides

Hot flashes are considered a specific sign of the onset of menopause. They arise as a result of impaired thermoregulation when estrogen levels decrease. These sensations can occur at any time. They are accompanied by redness of the facial skin , sweating and chills . This condition affects a woman’s mood and performance.

Headache

The cause of this symptom is considered to be sudden jumps in blood pressure . They are provoked by the accumulation of blood in certain parts of the brain. This is due to a violation of the water-salt balance against the background of hormonal changes . This condition may be accompanied by arrhythmia and other signs of cardiovascular disorders.

Chest pain

Similar sensations in the chest occur due to lack of oxygen. On this basis, coronary heart disease . A similar symptom may be concentrated in the mammary gland. Its appearance is explained by hormonal imbalance.

Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back

Pain syndrome in the pelvic area is caused by functional disorders of the genital organs.

In addition, during premenopause, the likelihood of developing neoplasms of various origins increases.

In pathological processes, pain can radiate to the sacrum or leg . Discomfort in the lower back can be caused by a decrease in the strength of bone tissue as a result of a lack of calcium.

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract

As pituitary hormones decrease, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract changes. This condition causes constipation and indigestion . Unpleasant sensations in the abdomen may be accompanied by bloating. As a result, pressure on the genitals increases, which increases discomfort.

Obesity

After age 45, women are more likely to gain weight. This process is the result of a metabolic disorder. Stress instability aggravates the situation, provoking dependence on food intake. A similar symptom can develop at any stage of menopause.

Low quality of sexual life

Problems of an intimate nature are based on a decrease in sexual desire . It is a consequence of a decrease in the number of estrogens. As a result, the volume of vaginal secretion is reduced, which leads to discomfort during sexual intercourse. Pain may be present.

Osteoporosis

Hormonal imbalances affect calcium metabolism in the body. This leads to bone fragility . Therefore, during premenopause, it is advisable to avoid excessive physical activity. The likelihood of injury and fractures increases.

Cystitis and urethritis

Diseases of the genitourinary system develop due to insufficient production of mucous secretion, which protects against the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. As a result, the bladder becomes more vulnerable. During deurination, burning and bleeding . In this case, you need to consult a doctor.

  Discharge after menopause - normal and pathological

The nature of menstruation

At the beginning of menopause, critical days are not only irregular, but also painful. During this period, dysfunctional uterine bleeding . Heavy discharge is not normal. In this case, the development of gynecological diseases is possible.

Pregnancy during perimenopause

The ability to conceive is preserved only at the initial stage of menopause. During this period, ovulation occurs rarely, but this does not prevent fertilization. For many women, pregnancy during premenopause comes as a surprise. Possible complications include the following:

• lack of progesterone;
• ectopic location of the embryo;
• deterioration of a woman's health;
• threat of miscarriage.

How to smooth out the symptoms of perimenopause

Not in all cases the signs of menopause are experienced acutely. Some women notice only minor changes in their condition. In case of pronounced symptoms, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist . He will select medications to eliminate the symptoms of menopause.

Hormone therapy

Taking such medications helps normalize the menstrual cycle and smooth out the signs of menopause.

When selecting a drug, the intensity of symptoms and the level of hormones in the body are taken into account. Typically, medications based on progestogens or combination drugs are prescribed. Medicines containing gestagens and estrogens include Silest, Marvelon and Janine .

These drugs additionally produce a contraceptive effect. Products whose action is based on progestogens include Turinal, Mirena and Norkolut .

Among the targeted drugs in the form of suppositories, Ovestin and Estriol .

Herbal remedies

Homeopathic medicines do not eliminate the causes of unpleasant symptoms, but reduce their manifestation. It is based on natural components, similar in structure to human hormones. The most effective herbal components include extracts of red clover, soybean and black cohosh . The most popular drugs are:

1. Remens.
2. Klimaktoplan.
3. Klimadinon.
4. Estrovel.

Herbal medicines help improve sleep and eliminate nervous excitability. They also help improve the functioning of the excretory system. The production of natural lubrication increases, which has a positive effect on sex life. When using homeopathic remedies, the likelihood of metabolic disorders is reduced.

Vitamin therapy

Vitamins are necessary to maintain the body's protective functions. It is desirable that the complex includes folic acid. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the genital organs.

Other vitamins have a beneficial effect on the condition of nails, hair and skin. They also improve blood circulation, dulling pain in the pelvis.

Specialized complexes include Menopace, Alphabet 50+ and Doppelhertz Menopause .

Conclusion

Following the recommendations of doctors will allow you to survive the crisis period without complications. If symptoms of premenopause appear, a woman should consult a gynecologist for advice. If there are complaints about your health, a thorough examination is carried out, since there is a risk of developing serious gynecological diseases.

During the period of hormonal changes, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle and monitor the functioning of the body.

Of no small importance is the attitude of a woman and the support of loved ones during a period of crisis for her.

Source: https://CriticalDays.ru/klimaks/premenopauza.html

What is the premenopausal period, how do its first signs appear?

Wise nature carefully takes care of a woman approaching the threshold between the period of childbearing and the beginning of the decline of reproductive function. For a smooth and gentle transition to menopause, there is a premenopausal period that prepares the body for the radical changes ahead.

For each woman it comes at its own time, determined by lifestyle and individual characteristics of the body. Representatives of the fair sex are sensitive to the barely noticeable signals of premenopause - they begin to take intense care of preserving the elusive youth, and even decide to give birth to a late child.

How to take care of your health during this difficult period, what happens in a woman’s body, and is it possible to delay the onset of menopause with medications?

What is perimenopause?

Hormones produced by the ovaries are a kind of catalyst for many interrelated physiological processes occurring in the woman’s reproductive system and in other organs.

Over time, less and less estrogen and progesterone are produced, metabolism is rebuilt to a completely different level of functioning, and the body enters the menopause phase. Regardless of whether a woman has children, the genetic program ends the period of childbearing, and the hormones responsible for full conception and the course of pregnancy are no longer so necessary.

The initial stage of menopause is considered to be premenopause - the period during which the ovaries are depleted. The beginning of this period occurs at 40-45 years, and the decline of reproductive function can last from several months to ten years.

On average, this process takes 2-3 years. The date of the last menstruation means that the premenopausal period has ended and menopause has begun - the next stage of menopause.

There are conditions and diseases when the early onset of menopause is due to heredity, the toxic effects of nicotine, and the influence of radiation exposure in the treatment of oncological pathologies.

The onset of premenopause and the date of the first menstruation (menarche) are interconnected - the earlier the ovaries begin intensive activity, the earlier they become depleted. Researchers have not established a connection between the number of pregnancies and births and the onset of menopause; stress and physical exhaustion bring its early onset closer.

What changes occur in the female body during perimenopause?

The ovaries are the main hormonal gland of a woman at reproductive age. They perform several functions at once:

Generative.

They produce eggs to reproduce offspring.

Vegetative.

They influence the formation of primary and secondary female sexual characteristics.

Hormonal.

They synthesize hormones to carry out reproductive function and to regulate the activities of various organs and systems.

The hypothalamus, located in the brain, controls the activity of the ovaries, including the secretion of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones ensure a two-phase menstrual cycle, egg fertilization and pregnancy.

As the hypothalamic structures age, they begin to lose their regulatory role, so the ovaries produce less estrogen. The follicles can no longer reach the required maturity, and ovulation does not occur. This is how the premenopausal period begins, characterized by a change from ovulatory cycles to anovulatory ones.

To compensate for the lack of estrogen, the pituitary gland intensively produces follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), but the hormonal balance still remains unstable.

It is not only the reproductive organs that are the target of these changes. The female body has structures that are dependent on estrogen and hormonal imbalance. The people most affected by premenopausal syndrome are:

• Mammary gland;
• Brain, pituitary gland and hypothalamus;
• The cardiovascular system;
• Musculoskeletal system;
• Urinary system;
• Connective tissue;
• Intestines;
• Hair and skin.

With a deficiency of estrogen, changes occur in these organs and tissues that bring considerable discomfort to the woman. The severity of manifestations of hypoestrogenism depends on the compensatory capabilities of the body. This includes lifestyle, heredity, the presence or absence of somatic diseases and many other factors.

Healthy women go through the premenopausal period without any problems or negative symptoms, especially at the beginning of this process, when the influence of estrogen is still present.

As menopause approaches, hormones become less and less, and their absence is practically not compensated for by FSH. But even in this case, some women live ordinary lives without feeling significant changes.

If there are disorders of the endocrine, cardiovascular system, gynecological diseases, the woman endures serious physical and mental stress, has bad habits, the symptoms of premenopause are pronounced, and the woman cannot always cope with them without the help of a specialist.

These manifestations are conventionally divided into 2 groups: the first are symptoms associated with menstrual dysfunction, the second are symptoms associated with a lack of estrogen.

Signs of the onset of premenopause:

• Unequal menstrual cycles with varying duration and volume of blood loss;
• Dysfunctional bleeding;
• Enlargement and tenderness of the mammary glands before menstruation;
• Development of mastopathy;
• Single “hot flashes”, characterized by a feeling of heat, increased sweating, redness of the skin of the face and neck;
• Decreased libido;
• Increased fatigue;
• Irritability and increased emotionality;
• Sleep disorders – insomnia or increased sleepiness;
• Vaginal dryness, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• Deterioration of hair and nails;
• Increase in body weight;
• Frequent headaches;
• Increased heart rate;
• Blood pressure surges.

If premenopause syndrome gives a woman negative feelings, she should consult a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

In addition to a gynecological examination and ultrasound of the pelvic organs, the doctor studies the woman’s hormonal background. It may be unstable, so studies are carried out several times and the results are compared.

How do periods change during premenopause?

When menopause begins to show its symptoms, ovulatory cycles occur with insufficient corpus luteum and progesterone. Then, increasingly, their place is taken by cycles during which ovulation does not occur.

Such hormonal “swings” do not have the best effect on the endometrium. It is still under the influence of the remaining minimal amount of estrogen, so it grows excessively.

Against the background of endometrial hyperplasia, menstruation in premenopause can be heavy, bleeding between menstruation is diagnosed. Menorrhagia sometimes lasts more than 7-9 days, accompanied by the release of clots.

When premenopause occurs and periods are noticeably different in nature from the usual pattern, it is important to differentiate abnormal bleeding from symptoms of the following diseases:

• Myoma;
• Polyp of the uterus and cervical canal;
• Neoplasms of the reproductive organs;
• Disorders of the endocrine glands;
• Endometrial hyperplasia;
• Blood clotting disorder.

It is important to remember that during the premenopausal period, despite changes in the nature of menstruation, cycles with normal ovulation are still possible. This means that the possibility of pregnancy cannot be completely excluded.

Since the level of progesterone, the main hormone of pregnancy, is extremely low, carrying a child to term will be very difficult in this case. One more risk factor cannot be excluded - due to unstable hormonal levels, a fertilized egg may begin to develop in the fallopian tube, and an ectopic pregnancy will occur.

How to smooth out the manifestations of the oncoming menopause?

Approximately 10% of women during premenopause experience menopausal syndrome with its negative symptoms - hot flashes, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, headaches, and manifestations of hyperhidrosis.

Although it is impossible to delay the onset of menopause with the help of medications, through complex therapy it is possible to alleviate the difficulties of transition from the reproductive period to a new state of the body. For this purpose, drugs from various pharmaceutical groups are used.

Hormones

To stabilize the menstrual cycle, they are used until the complete cessation of ovarian function. Types of hormonal drugs:

Progestogens – Norkulot, Turinal, Pregnin.

They stimulate the onset of the second phase of the cycle with endometrial rejection. The consequence of taking it is a decrease in the volume of discharge and a decrease in negative symptoms.

Mirena intrauterine device.

Prolongs the effect of progesterone, which reduces the intensity of uterine bleeding.

Combined means.

They contain gestagens and estrogens, equalize hormonal balance, protect against unwanted pregnancy (Silest, Janine, Marevelon), relieve negative symptoms (Divina, Klimonorm, Klimen, Cyclo-Proginova).

Topical products.

Creams and suppositories Ovestin, Estriol, Estrocad, Ovipol Clio for correcting the condition of the vaginal mucosa and impaired urination.

All hormonal drugs are prescribed by a doctor; independent treatment can lead to unwanted complications.

Phytohormones

If there are contraindications to taking synthetic hormones in the form of neoplasms and pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, plant-based analogues are used to equalize hormonal levels:

• Estrovel;
• Klimaktoplan;
• Klimakt-hel;
• Remens;
• Klimadinon.

These products contain phytohormones from soybean, sage, red clover, passionflower, black cohosh and other plants, as well as extracts of bee and snake venom. It must be remembered that the effect of their use does not occur immediately, but after prolonged use.

Vitamins

To improve blood supply to the pelvic organs, support biochemical reactions, preserve immunity and restore defenses, it is recommended to use vitamin complexes with a high content of minerals:

• Doppelhertz Menopause;
• Lady's Formula Menopause;
• Alphabet 50+;
• Menopace;
• Climafit.

As a result of their use, hair loss stops, the deterioration of the skin and mucous membranes stops, the epidermis regenerates, and the hormonal balance is leveled.

The use of medications recommended by a doctor, a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits, and proper nutrition will help you easily cope with the period of a woman’s life leading up to menopause.

Source: https://cistitus.ru/klimaks/premenopauza-simptomy-lechenie.html

Premenopause: symptoms, causes and treatment methods

Premenopause is the first stage of menopause, the onset of which is individual for each woman. Most often this occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 years. The duration of premenopause ranges from six months to several years.

Features of the premenopausal period

The reproductive system of a healthy woman works quite smoothly, but there comes a time when its functions begin to fade. Moreover, this process does not occur simultaneously. As has already been written, restructuring in the female body can last several years. The duration of the period primarily depends on the characteristics of the body and heredity.

During premenopause, menstruation initially comes irregularly, and eventually disappears completely. If there has been no menstrual flow for a year, then the next period of menopause begins - menopause.

The production of the hormones progesterone and estrogen also gradually decreases, and the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FHS), on the contrary, increases. Moreover, if previously the amount of FGS depended on the phase of the menstrual cycle, then by the end of the premenopausal period its level becomes stably high.

In addition to estrogen and progesterone, a woman’s body also contains male sex hormones (androgens). Their number also decreases during premenopause, but much more slowly. Therefore, at some point there may be more of them than women. This situation leads to hyperandrogenism syndrome or hirsutism.

Causes of early menopause

Perimenopause is an absolutely natural process in the life of every woman. But there are a number of factors that contribute to the fact that this period begins earlier than expected. These reasons include:

• hereditary factors;
• blood clotting disorder;
• thyroid diseases;
• surgeries on the pelvic organs;
• abuse of alcohol, tobacco or drugs;
• irradiation of the body;
• diabetes;
• long-term use of contraceptive hormonal drugs.

All of these factors can contribute to the early onset of perimenopause. But first of all, everything depends on the individual characteristics of the female body.

Clinical manifestations

The symptoms of premenopause, as well as their intensity, also vary from person to person. In some cases, the woman does not even notice the onset of this period. There are a number of common clinical manifestations that are most often encountered by representatives of the fairer sex. These include:

• disruptions of the menstrual cycle;
• sensitivity of the mammary glands;
• sudden feeling of heat - hot flashes;
• dyspareunia (discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse);
• general weakness;
• frequent mood changes;
• decreased libido;
• drowsiness or sleep disturbance;
• frequent urination;
• weight gain;
• brittle nails, hair, dry skin;
• hyperhidrosis (increased sweating);
• changes in blood pressure that provoke headaches;
• tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).

The listed clinical manifestations of premenopause are quite natural for the female body. But there are a number of symptoms, when they appear, you should immediately contact a gynecologist:

• excessive menstrual blood flow
• spotting between cycles
• the appearance of blood after sexual intercourse
• reducing the time between menstruation
• long period of menstrual bleeding.

Such deviations from the norm may indicate the presence of some pathology in the pelvic organs. For example, they can be provoked by fibroma, myoma, cyst, polyps or tumor. Also during premenopause, the risk of developing endocrine pathologies and diseases of the mammary glands increases.

Diagnostic methods

There are no specific methods for diagnosing premenopause. But in order to exclude other pathological processes in a woman, gynecologists adhere to a specific examination plan.

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First of all, the doctor finds out everything about the patient’s menstrual cycle, its duration, the nature of the discharge, and the presence of pain. Next, the gynecologist conducts a visual examination and takes swabs from the vagina for examination. The pelvic organs are examined using an ultrasound machine.

Additionally, the woman is referred to specialists such as a mammologist and endocrinologist. The cervix and vaginal walls are examined using colcoscopy.

Moreover, given the fact that during the premenopausal period the background is very unstable, studies are carried out more than once, comparing the results with previous analyses.

How to ease the onset of perimenopause?

As such, treatment during perimenopause is aimed at reducing symptoms of its onset. Moreover, clinical manifestations can be either pronounced or almost invisible. That is why any therapy is selected individually by the gynecologist for each woman. Remember, you should not choose any medications for yourself based on the experience of friends or acquaintances.

Hormone therapy

Severe premenopause is alleviated by taking hormonal medications. One of the most important tasks of the doctor is to stabilize the menstrual cycle until the ovarian functions completely disappear. After all, it is the long absence of menstruation that provokes vivid clinical manifestations of this period. The woman’s condition is stabilized with the following hormones:

1. Progestogens. This group of drugs not only stabilizes the cycle, but also promotes the onset of its second phase, during which the basal layer of the endometrium is rejected. After menstrual bleeding ends, perimenopausal symptoms usually subside or disappear altogether. The course of therapy is 2–3 months. The most popular drugs in this group include Pregnil, Norkolut and Turinal.
2. Combined means. They contain not only gestagens, but also estrogens. Such drugs normalize hormonal balance and reliably protect against unwanted pregnancy. The most effective among them are Janine and Marvelon. If therapy is primarily aimed at stabilizing hormonal levels and alleviating severe symptoms of premenopause, then the gynecologist prescribes drugs such as Klinorm, Divina or Klimen.

To relieve discomfort in intimate places, local hormonal medications (suppositories, cream, gel) are used. For example, Ovestin, Estriol or Estrocad. Such drugs successfully combat such clinical manifestations without affecting neighboring organs and tissues.

Homeopathic remedies and vitamins

Homeopathic and herbal medicines are most often used when a woman, for certain reasons, is contraindicated in hormonal pills, or for certain reasons, she refuses to take them. Such remedies as Remens, Estrovel, Klimadinon will help smooth out the symptoms of premenopause. The composition of such medicines includes soy, cohosh or clover.

Herbal medicines are tolerated much easier by the body. But their effect most often does not occur immediately and such drugs are not able to cope with severe complications.

Serious changes that occur during premenopause provoke various disruptions in the female body, including the production of necessary substances. Therefore, taking vitamin complexes is a prerequisite for alleviating clinical manifestations at the initial stage of menopause.

Vitamins can prolong the work of the ovaries, as well as smooth out symptoms with the gradual fading of their functions. In addition, their intake helps to increase immunity and restore the body's protective functions. Gynecologists advise taking vitamin complexes such as Alphabet 50+, Klimafit, Woman's Formula and other similar drugs.

With the advent of perimenopause, a woman’s life does not end; such changes are absolutely natural and cannot be stopped. That is why it is so important to promptly help the female body cope with this new stage without overshadowing its arrival with unpleasant symptoms.

Source: https://zdorovaya-ya.ru/ginekologiya-45/premenopauza-kak-opredelit-simptomyi.html

Premenopause - its signs, psychology and ways to combat it

Are you ready to stop thinking about your problem and finally move on to real actions that will help you get rid of your problems once and for all? Then perhaps you will be interested in this article .

A woman's reproductive system changes several times throughout her life.

Puberty comes with the onset of menstruation, major hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, and after about forty years, the ovaries begin to reduce the amount of estrogen they produce, which leads to a gradual decrease in fertility.

Due to the low level of estrogen in the blood, long before the onset of menopause, signs of one of the stages of its development – ​​premenopause – may appear.

What is perimenopause

What is perimenopause?

Premenopausal is a period in a woman’s life characterized by a gradual decline in the reproductive function of the body . The duration of the reproductive period depends on the characteristics of the organism.

When does premenopause begin and how long does it last?

The duration of this stage of menopause varies from woman to woman, but as a rule, this period lasts at least three to five years , although it can last up to ten. The average age of onset is 40-50 years .

There is premature menopause, also called early, when harbingers of menopause and its symptoms can appear as early as 30 years of age , and late, in women after 50 years of age .

What is perimenopause, and why is it sometimes confused with premenopause? The prefix "peri" means "around" or "about". Thus, this concept is broader than the concept of premenopause, since the perimenopausal period combines several successive stages: premenopause throughout its entire duration, as well as approximately two years after the actual onset of menopause.

What changes occur in a premenopausal female body?

You need to understand that the development of menopause occurs slowly and smoothly, when internal organs begin a gradual restructuring to a new regime of hormone production. Premenopause is accompanied by a change in the appearance and functioning of not only the female reproductive system, but also other organs . What happens to the body during restructuring:

System/organ	Change
Ovaries	They become smaller, look wrinkled in appearance, eggs do not mature, follicles are not released
Appendages	Atrophy of the mucous membrane begins, folding disappears, the lumen narrows
Uterus	At first it increases slightly, but then noticeably decreases, the mucous membrane atrophies, the cervical canal becomes narrower, the cervix stops producing mucus
Vagina	Loses natural lubrication, becoming dry, the external genitalia become smaller and flabby
Mammary gland	Adipose tissue changes to connective tissue, which leads to loss of elasticity
Adrenal glands	The cortex increases
Bladder	The walls become thinner and the mucous membrane degrades
Thyroid	Work intensifies, growth is possible
Pancreas	Activity decreases, work is possible
Circulatory system	Vessels become less elastic cholesterol increases the blood becomes thicker possible heart disease
Muscles and skin	Loss of tone and elasticity, loss of collagen, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles
Bone	Loses the ability to renew, increased fragility and fragility occur
Pancreas	Activity decreases, work is possible

First signs and dangerous symptoms

The premenopausal state of a woman is often classified as a common malaise. Therefore, it is important to understand how climacteric syndrome occurs and what is accompanied by it in order to recognize deviations in your condition in time and contact a specialist. Symptoms of premenopause are divided into physiological and psychoemotional.

Physiological

The main physiological signs of the premenopausal period in women include the following:

• Irregularity of menstruation, short cycle, long periods, which cause lower back pain. The nature of menstruation in premenopause, their intensity and abundance can undergo serious changes, including menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia). Such bleeding during premenopause is a dangerous pathology and requires treatment;
• Tides. Symptoms of hot flashes are heat in the upper body, redness of the skin, increased sweating;
• Decreased sexual desire;
• Dry mucous membranes – during premenopause, the production of natural lubrication is disrupted;
• Urination becomes more frequent and incontinence may occur;
• Constant feeling of fatigue, headaches.

Psycho-emotional

During the premenopausal period, a woman experiences not only physiological inconveniences. Sometimes they are accompanied by problems with the central nervous system and psyche. This phenomenon is more often observed in emotionally unbalanced women who already have a history of neuroses and disorders. Psycho-emotional signs of premenopause can be divided into the following:

• Sleep problems . The approaching premenopausal period is accompanied by sleep disorders and insomnia. Hormonal changes affect areas of the brain responsible for falling asleep, as well as muscle relaxation necessary for normal sleep;
• Feeling of restlessness, tension . A woman is often not mentally ready to accept a change in her status. The approach of old age and the inability to give birth to a child cause complex conflicting feelings that do not alleviate general physical malaise;
• Reactive and trait anxiety . In this state, a woman cannot adequately assess the situation, perceives everything in a threatening way and reacts with increased anxiety. Combined with excessively increased anxiety and causeless worries;
• Hysteria . The woman shows an inability to react normally to the smallest stressful situations, is constantly offended, whims and tearfulness appear. Hysterics related to the stage of menopause have nothing in common with the hysterics of young women. The first, in a pathological course, are accompanied by hallucinations, often of an erotic nature, and can lead to a nervous cough and nervous tics. The latter are accompanied by fainting and autonomic disorders;
• Phobias. The approach of old age, which is frightening in itself, can develop into a serious mental disorder - a strong uncontrollable fear of something. Frequent female phobias during premenopause:
  • gerontophobia – fear of old age and death;
  • autophobia – fear of being alone;
  • cancerophobia and nosophobia - fear of cancer and other serious diseases (more often manifested in disturbing heavy menopausal bleeding);
  • Lyssophobia – fear of going crazy.
• Panic attacks . Fears and phobias that the body is unable to cope with develop into panic attacks lasting from 10 minutes to half an hour. They are accompanied by a lump in the throat, unmotivated fear, and a feeling of unreality. The perception of reality is distorted, you feel as if you are looking at your actions from the outside and cannot change anything. Lightheadedness and faintness sets in;
• Neurasthenia . Characterized by the presence of a whole complex of symptoms: a constant feeling of fatigue, a feeling of drowsiness during the day, insomnia at night. Deterioration in performance and memory. Frequent mood swings, fear of light and sound appear. Accompanied by bad mood, fearfulness, indecision;
• Intrusiveness and difficulties in social contacts . Often associated with a fear of loneliness and an inability to sense personal boundaries. Also, the inadequacy, emotional outbursts, suspiciousness and demonstrative behavior that accompany the premenopausal period do not contribute to success in communication;
• Hypochondria . During the onset of menopause, women begin to demand increased attention to themselves not only from those around them. Often representatives of the fairer sex themselves become fixated on their condition. The pathology in this case is the constant search for health problems that do not exist in reality. A woman begins to invent and find symptoms and signs of various diseases. Subsequently, this may develop into speculation in a “dying” state.

Interesting fact

In the mammalian world, an animal dies shortly after menopause. The only exceptions are humans and two species of cetaceans: black dolphins (pilot whales) and killer whales.

Perimenopause and pregnancy

When perimenopause hits and periods become irregular, many women wonder if they can get pregnant. It is important to know: while the eggs are maturing, pregnancy is quite likely .

Many signs of pregnancy can easily be confused with premenopausal symptoms. These include

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• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sense of odors
• feeling tired
• drowsiness

It must be remembered that the likelihood of bearing a child without problems at this age is not high and depends on the individual characteristics of the body. In addition, there are dangerous symptoms during pregnancy that the woman is not aware of.

For example, it is necessary to differentiate between prolonged periods before menopause and uterine bleeding after conception. The former only indicate the beginning of hormonal changes, while the latter may be a harbinger of an incipient miscarriage. If heavy bleeding does not stop within several days, you should immediately consult a doctor .

Contraception during premenopause is very important . You need to use your usual contraceptives, or visit a gynecologist who will help you choose a convenient method of birth control.

Possible psychological disorders

The first five years after the onset of perimenopause, and then menopause, are the most dangerous for a woman in terms of the risk of developing serious mental disorders.

Menopausal dysphoria

One of the forms of disorder during premenopause is dysphoria - a condition accompanied by painfully low mood, high irritability and hostility towards others.

A woman becomes grumpy, picky, often offended, ironic and sarcastic for any reason . This is often perceived as a “spoiled” character. But the complex course of this disorder can lead to melancholy and constant anger.

Outbursts of rage, a feeling of despair, and hopelessness appear, which can lead to a depressive state.

Menopausal depression

With a relatively mild course of this disease, a depressed state and increased fatigue can be observed. Memory deteriorates, mental activity weakens . In case of a severe condition, sleep disorders and motor agitation appear. A woman may refuse to eat and resist treatment. Some seek to harm themselves.

Psycho-asthenic disorders

This type of pathology is characterized by reduced self-esteem and an excessively increased tendency to introspection. It is also accompanied by memory impairment, fatigue and decreased performance. Anancastic and anxiety disorders are distinguished.

• With anankaste disorder, a woman begins to strive for excessive perfection : a punctually served dinner, a “cleaned” apartment to a shine, painful scrupulousness in work. Obsessive states often occur;
• Anxiety disorder is also called avoidance disorder. With him, a woman is constantly dissatisfied with herself, her appearance, and what she does . She also absolutely ceases to accept criticism; any remark can develop the conviction of her own uselessness and inferiority.

Somatovegetative and movement disorders

Somatovegetative disorders often accompany a depressive state , but can also appear separately from it. Characterized by the following symptoms:

• Increased or decreased appetite;
• Increased craving for carbohydrate foods;
• Difficulty falling asleep;
• Daytime sleepiness;
• Meteopathy (sensitivity to weather changes);
• Decreased libido;
• Pains of different origins and localization (algia) appear.

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system during premenopause are associated with disruption of control systems during hormonal changes . Symptoms:

• Dystonia (sharp muscle contractions);
• Tremors (eg, shaking of hands);
• Nervous tic;
• Spasticity (hypertonicity of muscles - “cramps” the legs or arms);
• Stiffness and slowness of movements;
• Dizziness and inability to keep the body upright.

Manic psychoses

Dangerous mental illnesses requiring serious treatment. Accompanied by the following symptoms:

• the patient is delirious;
• cannot correctly interpret his feelings;
• consciousness is confused;
• reality is not perceived;
• the patient has ideas that his body is being destroyed under the influence of various influences - poison, hypnosis, electric current.

Interesting statistics: every second adult develops at least one mental disorder during their lifetime, while less than half of those affected seek help. What prevents this is the fear of being labeled a “psycho.”

Treatment and prevention.

Treatment for premenopause is prescribed only after consultation with a specialist ; in addition, it is necessary to take tests for hormone levels. If it is low and there are other signs consistent with the course of this period, the doctor treating menopausal syndrome will prescribe suitable remedies. There are several treatment options:

• hormone replacement therapy;
• non-hormonal drugs;
• preparations with phytoestrogens;
• homeopathic medicines.

Symptomatic therapy for menopause allows the use of herbal preparations as medicines.

There is a practice of using testosterone for women in menopause . It has a positive effect on overall well-being, helps with hot flashes and other symptoms. But drugs containing testosterone have a large number of contraindications. Also, its effect on the female body has not been fully studied, so it is important to balance the benefits and possible risks.

The last thing you should do is take medications on your own and uncontrollably during premenopause with serious mental disorders.

For mental disorders, it is dangerous to prescribe one-time large doses of estrogen; the best results appear when a woman undergoes a long course of small doses.

Antidepressants for menopause are prescribed by a psychiatrist in combination with psychotherapy, which aims to show that menopause is not the end of a woman’s physical life.

Also, the following types of physical treatment can have a good result for mental disorders in premenopause:

• electro- and light therapy;
• balneological treatment;
• radon baths;
• hydrotherapy (baths and showers).

Prevention of premenopause includes recommendations:

• lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid stress if possible, rest more often;
• change your diet, eliminate too heavy, fatty and fried foods, giving preference to vegetables, herbs and fruits. Replace strong tea and coffee with herbal and berry infusions;
• give the body adequate physical activity, play sports, walk more and breathe fresh air;
• take vitamins.

More information about the treatment of menopause, the names of the best pills and drugs without hormones can be found in the article “Treatment of menopause and its symptoms - more than 30 drugs and folk remedies.”

If you don’t want to give up and are ready to really, and not in words, fight for your full and happy life, you may be interested in this article .

Source: https://turbo-suslik.org/psikhologiya-premenopauzy/