Welcome to October! If you’re feeling a bit otherworldly, it may not be because of spooky season. It could be the monster in the closet named perimenopause. But have no fear, everything a busy woman needs to know to tame that beast is here!
Meetings, deadlines, family responsibilities, and a calendar that just won’t slow down. So, when 3 AM wakeups are a regular part of your (lack of) sleep routine, feeling unusually irritable or having an afternoon energy crash makes sense, right? Stress must be the culprit. But is that the whole story?
For many women, these changes that seem to be the result of a demanding career and busy life might only be part of the story. Perimenopause, the transition leading to menopause, could be the reason. Despite the attention they receive, hot flashes aren’t the only stars of this chapter in life.
So, could it be perimenopause?
You bet. Perimenopause is the stage of life when hormones begin to change as your body moves toward menopause. Every woman’s experience is different! For some, there are few noticeable changes, while others experience a plethora of symptoms affecting nearly every aspect of their lives. Changes might include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Mood swings and increased irritability
- Brain fog
- Sexual health changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Lack of energy
But here’s the tricky part: many of these changes mimic the effects of stress, lack of sleep, or having too much on an already full plate. That’s why women wait months, or (gasp!) even years trying to push through the chaos when it’s time to talk with a health professional.
Work Smarter, not Harder
When you’re used to performing at peak levels, it’s easy to push yourself to try harder. Can’t concentrate? Another cup of coffee. Exhausted? Get to bed early. Cranky? Must be stressed. Sweating at 2 AM? Forgot to turn on the fan. Sure, it could be those explanations, but you don’t have to diagnose yourself.
New and continued changes and symptoms need your attention, especially when it interferes with your lifestyle. You don’t need to quietly tolerate the symptoms because “it’s just part of life!” Start the conversation with a medical professional.
Make a list, because patterns matter.
One of the most beneficial things you can do is to notice what’s changing. As busy women, making lists are second nature. Track your menstrual cycle and symptoms for at least a month, noting changes in sleep patterns, mood, hot flashes, concentration, energy, or other symptoms that are bothersome. You may find patterns you hadn’t noticed before. Having this information when you meet with your healthcare professional will help further the conversation about not only what’s happening, but also what might be causing it.
Midlife is a lot more than just menopause.
Perimenopause or menopause may be part of the midlife equation, but not the entire one. This is the perfect time to take a closer look at your broad health picture. How is your nutrition? Getting enough sleep? Moving your body regularly? Are stress or anxiety negatively affecting how you do life? What about recommended health screenings and preventive care? As women, our health needs evolve over time. The healthcare concerns in your 40s and 50s likely look quite a bit different than those of your 20s and 30s. Make sure your care evolves with you.
Don’t just “power through” these changes. Women are skilled in adapting. We adjust schedules and make other lists. We find workarounds and keep going. These are fantastic attributes to have. Just not when it comes to your health. If changes in mood, sleep, sexual health and overall well-being are impacting your life, don’t suffer in silence. There may be options for you that help manage these and other symptoms. Don’t accept feeling less like yourself. Most importantly, treat your health with the respect and attention you give to everything, and everyone else.
There’s a new approach.
It’s time to think outside of the midlife box with a EverWell by St. Luke’s, delivering personalized care for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife wellness.
Led by Maggie Marcrander, MD, FACOG, MSCP, EverWell treats the individual, not the life-stage. By focusing on understanding each woman’s individual concerns, Dr. Marcrander and her team partner with you to develop a personalized approach to help support your health during these transitions. If you’ve wondered if what you’re experiencing could be perimenopause or something else, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Start the conversation. Make an appointment with EverWell by St. Luke’s. Call 314-864-6452 or visit https://www.stlukes-stl.com/services/everwell-by-stlukes to learn more.
