When perimenopause comes, will menopause begin?

Recently, with the development of science and medical technology, the average lifespan of human beings is increasing, and the female population after middle age is gradually increasing. Middle-aged women have a marked decline in ovarian function before and after menopause, resulting in estrogen deficiency and aging. As this accelerates, it causes distinct physical and mental changes. Usually, women go through a menopausal transition period of 4 to 7 years from their mid-40s, and finally menstruate at the age of 50 on average, and complete menopause is diagnosed after 1 year. Most women reach menopause before age 55. This period is a transitional process of aging from middle age to old age, and many changes are experienced physically, psychologically, and socially.

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Can perimenopause and menopause come together?
How to overcome depression due to perimenopause and menopause?
Menopause and perimenopause affect not only women, but their families, work, and social lives in many ways.How can we solve them?
How to embrace the changes that come with menopause and perimenopause as positive changes?
What are the effects of perimenopause and menopause on women's psychological health?

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause  and menopause are terms used to describe physiological changes in women. However, these two terms have different meanings. Perimenopause is the pre-menopausal stage, a period in which a woman's reproductive function gradually declines. It usually starts in the early 40s and lasts until the early 50s. During this time, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone become irregular in a woman's ovaries, and symptoms may include changes in the menstrual cycle, rises and falls in hormone levels, temperature fluctuations, sweating, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

Menopause is the time when a woman's menstrual cycle permanently ends. It usually occurs after menopause and refers to a condition in which one year has elapsed since the last menstrual period. After menopause, a woman's reproductive function completely ceases, and estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly. Menopause can be experienced differently by each individual, but usually symptoms associated with the end of the menstrual cycle, temperature fluctuations, sweating, cramps, decreased dysmenorrhea, and osteoporosis may occur. In summary, menopause is the preceding phase of the menstrual cycle Menopause refers to the period when a woman's menstrual cycle permanently ends and reproductive function declines.

Can perimenopause and menopause come together?

Perimenopause and menopause cannot happen at the same time, but perimenopause and menopause can often occur together. Perimenopause is considered the pre-menopausal stage, during which women's menstrual cycles become irregular and hormone levels begin to fluctuate. These changes can last for years before your final period, marking the onset of menopause.In fact, menopause is defined as a point in time during perimenopause. Menopause is generally judged as 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. After the onset of menopause, the menstrual cycle permanently ends and a woman's reproductive function completely declines. Thus, perimenopause is considered a part of menopause, and the two terms are interrelated. However, not all women experience perimenopause and menopause the same way, and the experience of each can vary from person to person.

How to overcome depression due to perimenopause and menopause?

In fact, perimenopausal depression is common, with 62% of perimenopausal women experiencing depressive symptoms. When menopause hits, women experience rapid hormonal changes, and depression is one of the symptoms of female hormone deficiency. There are several things you can try to overcome depression caused by perimenopause and menopause. However, these are not one-size-fits-all solutions for all women, and their effectiveness will vary depending on your personal situation and the severity of your depression. If your depression is still severe, you may want to seek professional help.

1. Healthy lifestyle
Eat a diet rich in nutrients, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein, maintain regular sleep patterns, and make sure you get enough time to rest and recharge.Pursue regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise or yoga. Getting at least 30 minutes of sunshine a day is also good for your mental health. Getting enough sunlight increases serotonin production and boosts your mood, and regular exercise can improve your physical fitness as well as boost your mood.

2. Stress Management
Chronic stress can take a toll on the body and mind, and women entering menopause are often under tremendous stress from sleep deprivation, child rearing, and parental health issues. Communication with family and friends can relieve stress and relieve depression. Manage stress using techniques such as meditation, muscle relaxation, and deep breathing.

3. Alternative therapies
To relieve symptoms caused by changes in hormone levels, such as estrogen, you may want to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after talking to your doctor. For many women, HRT can help manage symptoms and minimize disruption to daily life. There are supplements made with herbs to help with mood and stress levels. Some women report relief from herbal supplements for menopause, such as black cohosh

4. Hobbies
Connecting with family and friends is a great way to distract yourself from stress and make time for things you're interested in or enjoy. No matter how lethargic and depressed you may feel, doing a hobby that you actually enjoy can change your mood.

Menopause and perimenopause affect not only women, but their families, work, and social lives in many ways.How can we solve them?

Because menopause and perimenopause are caused by changes in a woman's hormone levels, hormone therapy can help relieve symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising and eating better, can also help relieve symptoms. Communicate with family, spouse, and friends who understand your feelings and situation so that you feel understood and supported during menopause and perimenopause. It's also a good idea to communicate about menopause and perimenopause at work and in your social circles.Take up hobbies and relieve stress through relaxation, meditation, and leisure activities. However, because the effects of menopause and perimenopause are unique in their symptoms and causes, you may want to talk to a healthcare professional for guidance about menopause and perimenopause.

How to embrace the changes that come with menopause and perimenopause as positive changes?

Embracing change in a positive way is a process that takes time and effort. Perimenopause and menopause can look different for every woman, so we encourage you to find what works for you.

1.Self-awareness
Perimenopause and menopause can be accepted as a new phase in a woman's life. You need to recognize this period as the beginning of self-growth and new possibilities, and focus on talking to yourself and taking care of yourself.

2.New goals and interests
Perimenopause and menopause can give you a new perspective on many aspects of your life. You can re-prioritize your life and explore new goals and interests.You can use this period as a time for self-development and self-actualization. Discovering your passion by exploring a new hobby, sport, volunteer activity, etc. can help.

3. Build a base of support
It's important to build a diverse base of support, including family, friends, community, and online communities. It's great to be able to share your experiences and empathize with people who you can talk to and connect with, understand and support.

4.Talk to a professional
It's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional or counselor for professional help with menopause and perimenopause. Professionals can help you manage these changes and embrace them positively.

What are the effects of perimenopause and menopause on women's psychological health?

Perimenopause and menopause can affect women in different ways, leading to mental and emotional changes and psychological anxiety that can be problematic for families and society at large. Every woman's experience is different, but in general, it can have the following effects.

Emotional changes: Perimenopause and menopause can cause mood swings in women. Fluctuating hormone levels can cause mood swings, depression, anxiety, anger, and worry.

Depression: During menopause and perimenopause, women may experience depression. Hormonal changes, menstrual cycle irregularities, and decreased stamina can increase feelings of depression.

Anxiety disorders: Women may experience anxiety during perimenopause and menopause. Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, fear, tension, and psychological unease.

Sleep issues: Menopause and perimenopause can affect sleep. The quality and quantity of essential sleep changes, and anxiety and depression can cause sleep problems.

Changes in self-concept: Through menopause, women experience a decline in reproductive function and age-related changes. This can lead to a sense of impaired self-esteem, anxiety about aging, and negative self-perception.

Changes in relationships: Perimenopause and menopause can affect relationships with family, spouse, friends, and coworkers. Mood swings, physical changes, and changes in sex drive can negatively impact relationships.

Finish

In the past, menopause was thought to be a sign of transition from middle age to old age and the end of a woman's life, but now that the average life expectancy is over the 80s and looking toward the 90s, it is just a halfway point in the long marathon of life. In order to cope well with menopausal depression, it is necessary to think of menopausal changes as a process in which our body adapts and responds to hormonal changes. A proactive attitude is required.

References:
1.Can Menopause Cause Depression?
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/
2.Menopause: HRT linked to depression
https://theconversation.com/
3.Menopause and your mental wellbeing
https://www.nhsinform.scot/
4.8 Ways to Even Out Menopause Mood Swings
https://www.everydayhealth.com/
5.Wellbeing during menopause
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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