Anonymous wrote:Adrenal problems are a real thing, as is perimenopause.
My perimenopause started at 42, with shortened and lighter cycles. My PMS symptoms tend to be more pronounced than they were before, but it's hard to know for sure, because I was on birth control for so long.
Perimenopause is when a decrease in estrogen puts all the sex hormone ratios out of whack, with fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone that end up shortening cycles, provoking lighter or sometimes much heavier periods, and causing hot flashes, fatigue, brain fog, breast tenderness, bloating, cramps, etc...
Regular exercise, eating more healthy fats and less animal fats, along with nuts and whole grains, is recommended for women in perimenopause to reduce hormonal imbalances as much as possible. Doctors can test all your reproductive hormones and prescribe hormone therapy if you are a good candidate (increased risk of cancer if you're on it for too long). You can also follow your hormone fluctuations at home with Proov for a bit before going to the doctor, if you're so inclined.
I started to get symptoms of perimenopause in my early/mid 40's - irregular, sometimes heavy, sometimes light periods. I cleaned up my diet, went low processed carbs, ate lean protein, healthy fats and low starch vegetables, walked a 3 mile trail every day and my periods became magically like clockwork again. I officially hit menopause at 52 and I really wasn't troubled by too many symptoms. In fact, not having to deal with periods has been pretty awesome.