Perimenopause

Perimenopause (also known as the menopause transition) is an ill-defined time-period in a woman´s life that surrounds the final years of a woman´s reproductive life, due to declining ovarian function. It begins with the onset of irregular menstruation and ends one year after the last menstrual period.

 

A woman is no longer in perimenopause but has transitioned into menopause when she has experienced 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

 

Perimenopause can begin in your mid-30´s or as late as your mid-50s. However, the average age that women enter perimenopause is between 45 and 50 years. Perimenopause tends to last on average 4 years, but some women suffer perimenopausal symptoms for up to 10 years and others for a period of just months.

 

This life stage, one that every woman will go through, requires a certain level of special attention to diet and lifestyle. Almost all women will experience changes in their energy levels, sleep quality and metabolism. It is not uncommon during this period for a woman to notice a change in her weight and it is because of this that I also specialise in healthy weight management.

 

Perimenopause is characterised by hormone fluctuations (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and as a result, a need for specific nutrients and dietary and lifestyle adjustments, to bring about greater balance and maintain a sense of well-being. This period can feel completely disorienting and confusing, and so nourishing this change through specific and guided nutrition and lifestyle recommendations will support optimal physical and mental health.