This is the beginning stage of menopause. Reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone are slowly declining.
Can last up to 6 years or more.
Usually occurs in your 40s.
Periods become more unpredictable and less frequent.
Hormones control virtually every important function. They turn children into adults, regulate metabolism, ignite passion, affect the aging process, and keep our bodies healthy.
With hormones playing such crucial roles, it's no surprise that hormone imbalances can trigger an entire spectrum of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, irritability, low libido, and joint and muscle pain.
You sometimes experience a sudden warm
feeling that spreads through your upper
body and face and a flushed appearance
with red, blotchy skin.
You sweat during sleep and your clothing
and sheets are soaked. You sweat even
when your bedroom is not hot.
You have trouble falling asleep at night, and
you feel irritable or sleepy during the day and require
large amounts of caffeine just to stay awake.
Your hands, wrists, feet and knees feel
stiff, your muscles are sore, and you
feel pain doing ordinary tasks.
You are easily annoyed or frustrated
by people; you get angry and lash out
at others for no apparent reason.
You have less desire for sex or intimacy
and have low or no sex drive.
Your clothes no longer fit and you feel bloated,
tired and have less energy. Your weight increases
even though you have not changed your eating habits.