Navigating the journey from perimenopause to menopause can be quite tumultuous, to say the least. The duration between these two milestones can last several years and the exact start and end date is different for every woman, according to the North American Menopause Society. This time of imbalance of your estrogen hormones can cause several undesirable side effects. At times it may feel as though the grasp you once had on your menstrual cycle and hormonal balance is gone.
Irregular periods
Prior to perimenopause, a female's estrogen and progesterone hormones rise and drop in a regulated manner throughout the normal menstrual cycle, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Following ovulation in the middle of a woman's cycle, menstruation occurs two weeks later. Once perimenopause sets in however, these hormones no longer follow their regular pattern. This leads to an irregularity of the menstrual cycle that can include spotting, inconsistent bleeding or skipped periods.
What's normal?
Period irregularity is completely normal during perimenopause, though there are some signs to be aware of that may indicate abnormality, noted the ACOG. If bleeding becomes very heavy or lasts longer than normal, it's best to notify your primary care doctor. Other indications of abnormal cycles include bleeding occurring more frequently than every three weeks and bleeding in the weeks between monthly periods.
Though most cases are not cause for concern, there is a noncancerous growth called a polyp that can grow from body tissue that lines the inner uterus walls, according to the source. Growing on the endometrial surface or attaching to the uterine wall, these benign growths are known to cause heavy bleeding. Similarly, a condition called endometrial hyperplasia - caused by a lack of progesterone and too much estrogen - causes the lining of the uterus to thicken, which results in heavier bleeding.
Outside factors
Women to Women reported that a variety of outside factors, such as poor nutrition, caffeine, excess weight loss or gain, and too much physical exercise can have an impact on irregular periods. Stress especially can lead to irregularity, as it pushes the adrenal glands to react by secreting the hormone cortisol, noted the source. Cortisol has an immediate impact on both estrogen and progesterone levels.
Best practices for maintaining a relatively normal cycle include consuming a healthy, clean food diet such as God's ideal diet according to Genesis 1:29 - the Hallelujah Diet, engaging in stress-relieving practices and getting in tune with your body. Additionally, a line of plant-based menopause supplements launched by the Hallelujah Diet can help women regain their sense of balance and well-being. The line offerers three different products: Luminology Clarity, Luminology Breeze and Luminology Balance.
This third supplement, Luminology Balance, is for women going through perimenopause. It has been clinically proven to help reduce the symptoms of irregular periods, thanks to the vitex berry the supplement contains. It's also packed with a superior form of a macapure supplement that helps to aid in hormonal balance and reduce stress, DIM to remove excess estrogen from the body and phytosterols to promote progesterone production.
