Frustrated By Perimenopause? Get Back To Feeling Like Yourself With These 6 Important Tips

Growing up, you likely thought that as you exited your childbearing years and headed into the great transition of menopause, you would suffer a few hot flashes and you would be done with your period forever, but the reality for most women is perimenopause is an arduous journey of a changing body that can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. To complicate matters, you can still conceive during this time, no matter how irregular your period is! But period irregularity is one of the smallest symptoms and annoyances of perimenopause; keep reading to learn more about symptoms of perimenopause and things you can do to beat back those feelings of frustration during this transitional period of life and feel like you used to.

Combatting Temperature Fluctuations

You’re probably familiar with women experiencing hot flashes and night sweats during perimenopause, but just as many women experience cold flashes, so knowing how to combat these fluctuations is key. Dressing in light layers is a great first step, and sleeping in the buff or loose-fitting pajamas is key. Studies say the ideal temperature for your sleeping environment should be between 60 and 65 degrees, so while your electrical bill may skyrocket, your hormonal body will thank you. Of course, during colder seasons, sleep with your windows open.

Know Where the Restrooms are Located

Another fun symptom to get used to during perimenopause is something that women experience during pregnancy as well, which is frequent urination. If you’re a parent, you likely always knew where the restrooms were located when your children were young because you never knew when they would let you know that they had to go potty, so you need to adopt the same mindset as you go through this time in your life to avoid any accidents!

Period Underwear Sets

One of the most frustrating symptoms of perimenopause is the irregularity in your cycle; for most women, it starts with periods coming closer together, and as you continue through the transition, they get further apart. You have not entered full menopause until you’ve gone 12 months without a period, so having products on hand for your period sneaking up on you is key. Instead of stuffing your handbag with tampons and sanitary napkins, investing in a period underwear set is the way to go, and wear them most days of the week, especially when you’ve been experiencing PMS symptoms. That way, you’re never caught off guard, and the best part is period underwear is super absorbent, and your flow is often very heavy during perimenopause. Period underwear is a game-changer during this season of life.

Mood Swings

The same way, we’re subject to mood swings at certain points in our cycles before perimenopause; they are amplified during perimenopause which for many women is the hardest to deal with and takes a toll on not only their mental health but important relationships in their life. Irritability, anxiety, and depression are unfortunately common during perimenopause, but these can be lessened or alleviated together through going on some form of birth control or other medications to help you manage your emotions. It’s also worth talking with a therapist as you begin perimenopause to help you learn tools for the emotional issues accompanying the transition.

Weight Gain

While your physical appearance is not the most important thing about you, and all body types are beautiful, for many women, weight gain is one of their biggest complaints during perimenopause. Women tend to gain weight, particularly in their midsection during this time, but eating a healthy and balanced diet and incorporating more physical activity, especially strength training, can do wonders for your mood and weight.

Insomnia

As our hormones fly all around, not to mention hot flashes wake us up, many women battle insomnia during perimenopause. You can make it through even the toughest nights by implementing the above tips for hot flashes and night sweats and adding natural alternatives for better sleep, like magnesium, chamomile teas, melatonin, or even pharmaceuticals.

Other symptoms pop up with perimenopause, like inability to focus, forgetfulness, low libido, and even vaginal dryness, but most women will only experience some symptoms of perimenopause, not all of them. By trying the above methods to find relief, you’ll feel like yourself in no time, but if you continue to struggle, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your GP to see if they can help you further.