Female Hormones (Menopause) Home Test Kit to Check for Perimenopause Symptoms

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause or when a woman stops having her menstruation. It lasts two to 10 years and has different physical and emotional symptoms. 

The female body releases eggs irregularly during this period, making her less fertile. She also produces less oestrogen and other hormones. 

The Start of Perimenopause

Perimenopause occurs at different ages. Some women notice the signs leading toward menopause when their menstruation becomes less regular around 40. However, some see changes in their mid-30s. 

During this time, the oestrogen level in the body starts to rise and fall unevenly. One’s menstrual cycle also becomes shorter or longer. Sometimes, the ovaries fail to release an egg or ovulate during a menstrual cycle. 

Also, women may have menopause-like symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and insomnia. However, some treatments can help you deal with these problems.

Perimenopause is over once you have officially reached menopause. It is when you haven’t got your period for 12 consecutive months. Taking a  Female Hormones (Menopause) Home Test Kit can help you confirm this.

How Long Does Perimenopause Last?

There's no fixed time regarding the length of perimenopause because it varies from woman to woman. Some women have it for four years, while others experience it for only a few months or up to 10 years. Having infrequent periods is one of the signs that perimenopause is ending.

The Signs of Perimenopause

As you start perimenopause, you'll notice subtle and noticeable changes in your body. Though it helps to take a Female Hormones (Menopause) Home Test Kit, knowing some of the most common symptoms can help you understand the changes your body is going through. Here are some of them:

Irregular menstruation. One of the most distinct symptoms of perimenopause is irregular periods. Ovulation becomes unpredictable, so many women notice a change in the time between their periods. Their menstrual flow becomes lighter or heavier, while some skip their periods. You’re in early perimenopause if your period lasts seven days or more. On the other hand, you’re in late perimenopause if your period occurs after 60 days or more in between. 

Hot flashes. Another common symptom is hot flashes, which vary in intensity, frequency, and length. Many women who experience hot flashes during perimenopause also have night sweats, leading to sleep problems.

Moodiness. Emotional symptoms accompany perimenopause. It’s common for women to be moody and irritable during this period. Some are even at risk of depression. Hot flashes and poor sleep may also cause mood changes. 

Vaginal dryness and infection. As your oestrogen levels diminish, your vaginal tissues lose lubrication and elasticity. This vaginal dryness makes intercourse painful during perimenopause. Low oestrogen also makes you more prone to vaginal and urinary infections while loss of tissue tone can cause urinary incontinence. 

Decreasing fertility. Your ability to conceive decreases as your menstruation becomes irregular. However, you can still get pregnant as long as you're having your periods. You can avoid unwanted pregnancy by using birth control until you no longer have your period for 12 consecutive months.

Low sex drive. You'll also notice a change in your sex life during perimenopause. Your sexual function starts to deteriorate as you feel less sexually aroused. However, having consistent sexual intimacy will keep that fire burning within you.

Bone loss. It’s normal for women during perimenopause to experience bone loss due to decreasing oestrogen levels. Many women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become more fragile.

Changes in blood cholesterol levels. As oestrogen levels decrease, your blood cholesterol levels also change. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol levels increase while your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or “good” cholesterol levels decrease. These changes increase your chance of having heart disease.

When to See Your Doctor

Women experience different perimenopause symptoms. Some have modest changes in their body, while some feel they're not severe enough to see a doctor. However, some prefer getting medical attention, especially if symptoms interfere with their life and well-being. 

What are the Stages of Perimenopause?

There are two stages of perimenopause, which can vary from woman to woman. 

Stage 1 –  you start having irregular menstruation. During this time, your periods will last longer or shorter than before. They can be lighter or heavier, too.

Stage 2 – your periods have stopped completely.

Is There a Perimenopause Test?

Taking a reliable and accurate menopause test or perimenopause symptom checker is key in checking perimenopausal status, and one of them is Vitall’s Female Hormones (Menopause) Home Test Kit. 

This is a hormonal control test that effectively checks female sex hormones and assesses your menopausal status. You can collect your blood sample at home using a finger-prick blood test or avail of a nurse home visit. Another option is for a clinic visit where you can have your sample taken by a professional.

The test also includes three accredited laboratory tests: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), and Oestrogen (Estradiol) (E2). 

Health practitioners will analyse your blood sample in a UKAS-accredited laboratory for quality and accurate analysis. Your test results will be delivered securely online within 24 hours. 

Is There Treatment for Perimenopause? 

There are several treatments to help you manage perimenopausal symptoms. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, these are some of the treatments you can use:

Vasomotor symptoms. Hot flashes are the most common perimenopause symptom, and the best way to manage them is by avoiding what triggers them in the first place. You’re the best person to identify these triggers, such as hot beverages, spicy foods, and warm air temperatures. You can minimise hot flashes through deep breathing techniques, too. However, the most effective treatment is oestrogen as a pill or patch. Talk to your doctor about it.

Hormonal irregularities. Women experience varying hormone levels during perimenopause, and taking low-dose birth control pills until they reach menopause has been proven to help regulate menstruation and normalise hormonal levels. Some women claimed it helps in making them even-tempered as well.

Severe hot flashes. For those suffering from intense hot flashes who can’t take hormonal therapy, the alternative option includes taking antidepressants containing venlafaxine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Again, talking to your doctor about it before taking any of these pills is imperative.

Irregular periods and heavy bleeding. Low-dose birth control pills can help you deal with irregular bleeding and prevent pregnancy during perimenopause. They suppress ovulation, and by doing so, they regulate periods and improve menstrual flow while stabilising endometriosis. Further, they protect you from ovarian and endometrial cancers, minimise vaginal dryness, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce hot flashes. Those having abnormal and heavy bleeding must see a gynaecologist. 

Vaginal dryness. Some of the most common treatments for vaginal dryness include taking low-dose contraceptives and vaginal oestrogen. You can also use vaginal moisturisers to improve the elasticity, moisture, and acidity of your vagina. Meanwhile, applying lubricants can help ease pain during intercourse. 

You can also manage perimenopause symptoms by doing the following:

• Wear layers of clothes that you can easily remove if it gets too hot
• Keep your bedroom cool at night by using a fan or air conditioning
• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
• Avoid eating spicy foods
• Avoid smoking
• Take a cool shower
• Improve bone strength by exercising regularly
• Reduce stress by practising mindfulness
• Get enough rest and sleep
• Lose weight if necessary
• Don’t neglect mental health
• Undergo cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help manage depression and anxiety and improve sleep.

Are There Supplements for Perimenopause? 

Once you have confirmed through a  Female Hormones (Menopause) Home Test Kit that you're in your perimenopausal stage, it's time to consider the supplements you can take to help manage its symptoms. 

Although a balanced diet is still the best way to stay healthy, supplements can help. Below are some of them you can take during perimenopause:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important in maintaining bone strength and supporting the immune system. The body can produce vitamin D through sun exposure, or you can boost your vitamin D intake by eating foods like salmon, egg yolks, canned tuna, cod liver oil, sardines, beef liver, shrimp, and fortified milk, cereals, orange juice, and yoghurt. 

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 keeps your nervous system and brain in tip-top condition. A deficiency can affect the way you feel and think. During perimenopause, vitamin B12 is necessary for managing irritability, anxiety, and depression. Taking a supplement is also vital if you're 50 and above, as your stomach stops producing sufficient hydrochloric acid needed by the body to absorb this nutrient. 

Meanwhile, you can also get vitamin B12 by eating animal liver and kidneys, clams, sardines, beef, tuna, fortified cereals, trout, salmon, milk, and dairy products.

Calcium

This mineral is associated with healthy teeth and bones but is vital in blood clotting, contracting muscles, and better heart and nerve functions. Calcium protects the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis during perimenopause. You can get this mineral from seeds, cheese, yoghurt, beans and lentils, fortified milk, and bread.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a natural mood booster that can help improve your quality of life during perimenopause and menopause. It also helps improve sleep.

Omega-3 fats

Getting enough omega-3 fats can benefit your whole well-being. Many believe that it helps in reducing night sweats and moodiness. Oily fish is the best natural source of omega-3, and eating one to two portions a week can provide you with more than enough of this nutrient.

Magnesium

If you're having trouble sleeping during perimenopause, magnesium can help you have a good night's sleep. It relaxes the muscles and promotes better sleep while balancing blood sugar levels. Dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, legumes, tofu, seeds, whole grains, fatty fish, leafy greens, and bananas are rich in magnesium.

Protein

Protein is also important because it stabilises blood sugar levels. It also makes you feel fuller and helps in producing neurotransmitters. The key is to eat various protein-rich foods like free-range poultry, eggs, yoghurt, oily fish, and eggs. You can try some plant-based sources, too, like tofu.

Phytoestrogens

These are plant nutrients in food like grains, soy products, beans, and some vegetables and fruits. They're known for their oestrogen-like effects on the body when consumed. They are important in heart health, weight loss, skin and bone health, and immunity. They might also help in reducing hot flashes. Fruits like pears, apples, and plums and vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, grains, soybeans, onion, and garlic are excellent sources of phytoestrogens.

Getting these nutrients from natural sources is the best way to reap their numerous benefits. However, you can also talk to your doctor about taking them as supplements in other forms. Remember that supplements may have side effects. Also, they can interact with some medicines you’re already taking. Further, some herbs trigger allergies. 

Can I Get Pregnant If I’m Perimenopausal?

The answer is yes. Though you'll no longer be as fertile as before, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause. If you don't want to get pregnant, take a birth control pill until menopause. Get a  Female Hormones (Menopause) Home Test Kit to ensure you've reached this period after 12 months of not having your menstruation.

Many women in their late 30s and 40s find it difficult to conceive once their fertility drops. If you want to get pregnant, consult your doctor about the available treatments to help you conceive.

Getting Tested

If you are already in your perimenopausal period, the best way to confirm it is by taking Vitall’s Female Hormones (Menopause) Home Test Kit. 

You'll feel various symptoms, but the good news is they're manageable. You can undergo treatments or take the necessary supplements to improve your well-being. Most importantly, talk to your doctor about it.  

Summary of the Perimenopause