Mood swings, erratic periods, severe anxiety and insomnia can make you feel like some sort of nocturnal monster.
Welcome to the wacky roller-coaster ride known as perimenopause — a wild journey filled with unwelcome surprises, disturbing quirks and plenty of chaos! And who even knew that there was a stage before menopause?
It just seems cruel. If you’ve found yourself on this exhausting perimenopausal adventure and have no idea what the heck is happening to your body, fret not! The fabulous team of pharmacists at Star Discount Chemist is here to guide you through all the hormonal twists and turns… as embarrassing as they may be.
These guys and girls are not just medicine experts, they’re armed with everything you need to reclaim your fabulousness! Using their expertise in women’s health and medication management, they’ll provide personalised advice, tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Not only are they proudly South Australian — just like us — they have more than 40 stores across Australia and 24 right here in SA, so you’re never far from getting the best advice. And because half of the Adelady team is either approaching the peri stage or right in the thick of it, we thought it’d be good to have a one-on-one with the amazing Nandita Anand, Pharmacist Manager at Star Discount Chemist Magill, to tackle all the questions that are keeping us up at night…
Image credit: Wayne Pearson
What is perimenopause?
It’s the transitional phase leading up to menopause, where a woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes that can cause various symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, hot flushes, mood swings and sleep disturbances. These hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety for some women, as they navigate physical and emotional changes.
What’s the difference between menopause and perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the lead up to menopause, while menopause is the point at which menstrual periods stop permanently, marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Let’s talk perimenopause symptoms because there are MANY!
Irregular menstrual cycles, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings (including anxiety and depression), insomnia, vaginal dryness leading to discomfort during intercourse, decreased sex drive, headaches and memory problems can all be part of your perimenopausal experience.
How long does perimenopause last?
It can vary from woman to woman, but on average it lasts about four years. Factors that can influence the length of perimenopause include genetics, overall health, lifestyle factors and medical history. Once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, you’re considered to have reached menopause, marking the end of perimenopause.
What can you recommend to support women through menopause and perimenopause?
Some lifestyle changes include eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to help manage weight gain and mood changes; physical activity to help reduce hot flushes and improve overall mood and sleep; stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or mindfulness to battle stress and anxiety; and avoiding hot flush triggers like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and tight clothing. If symptoms persist or are not alleviated by non-pharmacological interventions, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a medical practitioner. The goal of managing menopause is to alleviate symptoms and reduce any risk of complications such as osteoporosis. There are several treatment options available to help manage symptoms ranging from lifestyle changes to prescription medications.
Pharmacists like Nandita can help women like us, keep track of their symptoms and provide information on how to manage this rollercoaster event in our lives. You can jump on the Star Discount Chemist website to read more excellent advice from Nandita. As with any health concerns it’s important to also speak with your GP. Now, can someone turn on the air conditioner?!
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