Perimenopause is a time in a woman’s life, usually 2 to 10 years before she hits menopause when she is still menstruating but starts to experience menopause symptoms.
Menopause is the absence of 12 consecutive menstrual periods.
Post Menopause is the time after one year of no menstrual periods. The periods become more irregular and may become shorter and longer.
Symptoms during Menopause Stages
The signs and symptoms of these times vary, but may include different degrees of:
- PMS
- headaches
- breast tenderness
- depression
- mood swings
- weight gain
- sleep disturbance
- anxiety
- heart palpitations
- fatigue
- vaginal dryness
- painful intercourse
- decreased libido
- joint/muscle problems
- dry skin
- foggy thinking
- night sweats
- irritability
- craving for sweets
- cold body temperature
- memory problems
Flow/Cycles: Irregular, Shorter or Longer
What is happening: The Ovaries are coming to the end of their reproductive cycle are producing fewer sex hormones. There are three sex hormones for simplicity we will talk about: Progesterone, Estrogens, and Testosterone. The production of these hormones drops significantly, especially Progesterone, and also of Estrogens and Testosterone; and this may cause many symptoms. Premenopause, the sex hormones are produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands, but post-menopause the ovaries stop producing and the little adrenal glands try to keep up production, but are not able to keep up, hence the term “Adrenal Fatigue”. We will also make sure your thyroid hormones levels are adequate.
Also, if a woman has had a hysterectomy (partial or full) at any age, her body’s hormones are like that of postmenopausal women. For some women, this transition may be easy and smooth with minor issues. But for other women, this may be a very difficult time and they may need some help from a qualified health professional.
As a pharmacist, I am very experienced in helping women to get through this difficult and challenging time. I provide individual consulting and counselling on medications and related issues. I have taken many courses and work with qualified physicians to obtain hormone and related prescriptions if required.
When I consult, I set up an appointment in person, via phone, or face time if required. Here we will have a dialogue to specifically help the individual.
Over The Counter Solutions
Some over the counter supplements may work to help relieve symptoms. These may give short-term relief and for minor symptoms, but do not work for the majority of the women.
- Black Cohosh
- Dong Quai
- Pomegranate and Red Clover Extracts
- Soy
- Yams
- Maca
- Chasteberry
- Evening Primrose
Getting Proper Care and Assistance with Menopause
As a pharmacist, I help many women with menopause and related issues. I’ll discuss your specific symptoms and their severity with you, and recommend the proper supplements. I’ll also help you set diet guidelines, create an exercise program, and will direct you to your physician for proper blood work. (We can recommend doctors if necessary.)
Achieving the desired goals will mean making changes in your life. But I’ll be sure to provide you with proper counselling and knowledge you need to enjoy your life during the stages of menopause.
Schedule Your Appointment
Call 604-533-1041 or visit our Pharmacist Consultation page to learn more and book a consultation.
Bob Sangha is the head pharmacist, and owner of Surlang Medicine Centre Pharamcy. He holds degrees in Biochemistry and Pharmacy. Bob provides individualized health management, including specialized compounding with a focus on bioidentical hormones for women and men, as well as specific adult, and pediatric compounds. More about Bob Sangha