"Understanding Perimenopause - Herbal Alternatives to Prescricption Medications"

It is usually 2 to 8 years before the actual start of menopause, including an additional year after her last monthly period.

On this page, I will give an overview of perimenopause, its symptoms and some herbal remedies that may help.

However, for some women, they can start this phase earlier than other women. There is some evidence indicating that certain factors predispose some women to start earlier, including:

• Smoking cigarettes - The onset of menopause can begin one to two years earlier than normal, in women that smoke cigarettes
• Childhood cancer treatment - There is evidence that women that were given cancer chemotherapy as children, are more likely to start menopause earlier than they normally would
• Hysterectomy - Although a hysterectomy doesn't cause menopause to start, as the ovaries are still present and ovulating; hence, it can cause menopause to start earlier than normally
• Never having delivered a baby - There are some studies that link women who have never experienced childbirth to early menopause

During this time, a woman's estrogen levels tend to fluctuate unevenly. However, her ovaries are still releasing eggs, which means that it is possible for her to still become pregnant.

• A loss of bone - Normally, estrogen is needed by premenopausal women to help maintain bone density. However, as a woman approaches menopause, her estrogen levels begin to decline, putting her at greater risk for developing osteoporosis
• Changes in sexual function - Some women may notice a decrease in their sex drives at this time
  Changing cholesterol levels - A decline in estrogen levels can also cause the bad, or LDL cholesterol, to increase. Simultaneously, the good, or HDL cholesterol, tends to decrease
• Hot flashes - Many women experience hot flashes during this time which can contribute to problems sleeping
• Mood changes - Many women will notice mood swings, becoming irritable or depressed at this time
• Vaginal and bladder problems - Sexual intercourse can become painful for a woman, as her estrogen levels start to decline, causing her vaginal tissues to produce inadequate lubrication

Most of the time, irregular periods are not a symptom of perimenopause, and are not anything to be worried about.

However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding - For example, you have to change tampons or pads hourly
• The bleeding lasts longer than eight days
• You experience bleeding in between your monthly periods
• Your monthly periods frequently occur less than 21 days apart.

Your age and menstrual history

What symptoms you are currently experiencing over the last three months, especially depression lasting most of the month

Additionally, some doctors may order tests checking your hormone levels.

However, unless he is checking thyroid function, hormonal tests are rarely useful as a predictor of early menopause.

Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that can provide relief from heavy bleeding that many women experience at this time. With this procedure, the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, is destroyed using a laser, electrical energy or heat. This will help to reduce the menstrual flow.

In addition, here are some herbs that may help with the symptoms you are experiencing:

Black cohosh - Black cohosh may help to minimize symptoms such as hot flashes. 20 to 40 milligrams, taken twice daily, is adequate

Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D may be needed to ensure healthy bones

Chamomile - Chamomile helps to relieve anxiety

Coenzyme Q10 - Coenzyme Q10 can help with dry skin. Follow the recommended dosage on the bottle

Evening primrose oil - Take 2 to 4, 500 mg capsules of evening primrose oil to treat anxiety

Grape seed extract can help with dry skin. Follow the recommended dosage on the bottle

Kava Kava - Kava kava may also help you to sleep

L-Glutamine - Take 1000 mg of L-glutamine each day with lunch to help you control sugar cravings

Licorice root - Licorice root can help with anxiety. Follow the recommended dosage listed on the bottle

Magnesium - Low levels of magnesium have been linked to poor sleep

Melatonin - Melatonin helps to regulate the body's natural rhythms, also known as circadian rhythms

Omega-3 fatty acids can help with dry skin. Follow the recommended dosage on the bottle

Passionflower - Passionflower can also help with sleep

Red clover may help relieve symptoms of hot flashes

Valerian - If you're having trouble sleeping, valerian may provide relief

Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 capsules may help to minimize depression. Follow the dosing instructions as per the bottle

Vitamin C - 1000-2000 mg of vitamin C taken daily can help with anxiety

Vitamin E - In studies, vitamin E has been shown to minimize hot flashes

5-HTP - Many symptoms of early menopause are caused by imbalances in blood sugar. Take 50 to 100 mg of 5-HTP along with 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B complex to stabilize blood sugar

In conclusion, perimenopause is a normal phase that, unfortunately, all women must experience at some point in their lives. She can experience a wide range of symptoms, ranging from the emotional to physical.

Although a woman continues to ovulate, her estrogen levels may fluctuate wildly, contributing to many of the symptoms mentioned above.

Even though your doctor may recommend some of the abovementioned treatments, you may want to discuss with him some of the herbal and supplemental solutions mentioned on this page.