There is a physiological reason why your lady seems irritated by everything during this decade. It is likely the result of a natural occurrence called Perimenopause.
A Little Science
The mid-life “change”, as it is referred to sometimes, is like an invitation to a party that every woman expects but doesn’t want to attend. Women know this transition is imminent but have no idea how it will affect them, and it is truly different for every female body.
Menopause is the official initiation into middle age. Its completion is marked by 12 consecutive months without a period, essentially ending the reproductive years.
Perimenopause refers to the time when a woman is transitioning toward menopause. A process that averages 4–8 years. It can begin as early as the mid-30s and continue until the late 50s.
Personally speaking, it has been super fun to manage for the past decade…Ugh!
Hormone levels become irregular and fluctuate throughout perimenopause causing a range of symptoms. Below are 2 graphics offered by PubMed that show normal hormone fluctuations (image 1) through a female cycle and irregular fluctuations (image 2) of a pre and postmenopausal woman.
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Just seeing the chaos of the 2nd image makes me cringe and yet at the same time it helps me understand how unbalanced a woman can feel during these years.
Like PMS on steroids!
Let's talk Symptoms
Perimenopause symptoms are a list of physiologic responses to hormone changes occurring over about a decade, on average. Some women are affected by multiple symptoms, and severely. Still, others report minimal effects or none, simply recalling that one day their cycle just stopped coming.
To fully understand the irritation factor, we must discuss the most reported symptoms.
· Irregular periods, heavy and longer
· Hot flashes and night sweats
· Sleep disruption
· Fatigue
· Memory issues, brain fog
· Irritability, mood swings, bouts of rage
· Mental health issues, depression, anxiety
· Vaginal atrophy, dryness, painful sex, loss of libido
That sounds like a blast, right? It’s no wonder women have difficulty during this time and can act a little crazy. Everything they have come to know about their bodies is changing. Plus, it comes in waves. One minute everything is fine and the next your face is burning up and you are sweating your *** off, and you are the only one in the room feeling the heat.
Hormone imbalances cause other symptoms as well; there’s also weight gain, feeling bloated, and achy joints. It is unique to each woman and learning to manage it is a balancing act of epic proportions.
For these reasons it is necessary to warn, um I mean to educate, her significant other and anyone within a 10-yard distance to ensure their survival.
Is There Anything Women Can Do About It?
Short of running away and hiding in a cave for a few years, yes, there are treatment options.
One option is traditional medical treatments, specifically medications to treat the symptoms of perimenopause. Hormone replacement therapy which might involve pills or topicals, and antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to regulate the serotonin levels (your mood-regulating hormone) are helpful.
Other routes to utilize may include alternative medicine or lifestyle changes.
Alternative medicine uses herbal remedies such as black cohosh, natural supplements like DHEA (a natural steroid produced by the adrenal gland) or phytoestrogens (naturally occurring in food), or bioidentical hormone replacement. Recent studies show Acupuncture may also be helpful.
These options are still being studied, are not FDA regulated, and have possible side effects so one must be okay with those aspects.
Lifestyle changes are the least invasive and most natural ways to combat perimenopause symptoms, plus they have additional health benefits.
· Exercise: resistance training and cardiovascular, HIIT workouts are a good choice
· Nutrition: eat whole non-processed food, and reduce caffeine and alcohol
· Stress management: deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation
· Quit smoking!
These tips above are beneficial for general health but have been found to relieve or lessen the body’s response to perimenopause.
Other ideas for improving comfort during this time are wearing layered clothing and keeping your room cool to manage hot flashes and practicing good sleep hygiene to increase your chances of a restful night which improves mental health and well-being.
The Takeaway
The journey through perimenopause leading to menopause can be like the trek to Mordor, challenging and horrifying at times. However, it is manageable with the assistance of your medical provider, utilizing good general health techniques, and maybe some supplemental treatments.
Finding the correct formula that works for everyone is a bit of trial and error, but worth your sanity and those around you to try something if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
And finally to the husbands, boyfriends, partners, and significant others please, give your lady a break. She’s crabby because her pants are tight, she’s hot and itchy, and she can’t remember why she walked into the kitchen half the time.
Love her anyway.
