Pre-Menopause Symptoms: How to Recognize and Manage Them Naturally

Menopause can seem like this scary milestone looming in the not-so-distant future for many women. But before menopause officially begins, most women go through a transitional phase known as pre-menopause. This can last anywhere from a few months to several years before menopause sets in.

It’s normal not to look forward to this time of your life, but know there is beauty and divinity in this change. By recognizing the signs of pre-menopause early on, you can better prepare yourself for the changes to come and manage any symptoms that may arise naturally. 

From a well-rounded diet to herbal teas, there are many ways to support your body’s journey through this transition. Here, we’ll explore some common pre-menopause symptoms and natural ways to alleviate them, empowering you to embrace this transformation and all that comes with it.

What is Pre-Menopause?

Pre-menopause is a natural process that marks the beginning of perimenopause, the stage before menopause when a woman’s body gradually makes less estrogen. This menopausal transition usually happens 10 years before menopause, between the ages of mid to late 40s, but can occur earlier or later for some women. 

On average, perimenopause lasts about four years. After perimenopause, a woman enters menopause, which is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This usually happens in the early 50s, but again, it can occur earlier or later.

Estrogen plays an important role in the female reproductive system, regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting fertility. As estrogen levels fluctuate during pre-menopause, women may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. 

Unfortunately, this sacred phase in womanhood isn’t talked about or recognized as much as it should be. We are expected to fight through it alone in silence, even though there are sisters all around us experiencing similar changes. But by talking about and normalizing pre-menopause, we can break the stigma and support each other through this natural stage of life.

Common Symptoms of Pre-Menopause

The symptoms of perimenopause can really challenge a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. But remember, your body is resilient, and these changes are natural. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time and seek support from loved ones or a healthcare professional if needed.

Here are some common pre-menopause symptoms to be mindful of:

• Irregular periods: Your estrogen levels may fluctuate, causing changes in your menstrual cycle. You may experience shorter or longer periods, heavier or lighter flows, or even skipped periods.
• Hormonal fluctuations: Along with changes in estrogen, other hormones like progesterone and testosterone may also be affected during perimenopause. 
• Mood changes: With hormonal changes come emotional shifts. You may find yourself feeling more irritable, anxious, or depressed.
• Hot flashes and night sweats: These sudden sensations of heat can be triggered by shifting hormone levels and can disrupt sleep and daily activities.
• Sleep problems: Hormonal changes can also lead to sleep disturbances, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
• Brain fog: You may lose your train of thought or have trouble concentrating more often during perimenopause.
• Vaginal dryness: As estrogen levels decrease, the tissues in the vagina may become thinner and less lubricated, leading to discomfort during sex.
• Changes in libido: With less estrogen,  you may experience a decrease in your sex drive.
• Weight gain: Hormonal changes and aging can contribute to weight gain during perimenopause.
• Bone loss: Estrogen helps maintain strong bones, so as levels decline, bone density may decrease, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Urinary issues: Urinary incontinence or urinary tract infections may become more frequent during perimenopause.

We get it — this list isn’t exactly pleasant to read. When experiencing these symptoms, try to remind yourself that your body is on your side. It’s working with you, not against you. These pre-menopause symptoms are just a natural part of the aging process, and while they may be uncomfortable, they won’t last forever. 

Every woman’s perimenopause journey is unique. Some perimenopausal women experience more severe symptoms than others, and that’s normal. Don’t compare your experience to others or feel pressured to follow a specific timeline. Your body is doing what it needs to do, and it’s important to listen to its cues and take care of yourself during this time.

Natural Ways to Manage Symptoms

There are many treatment options available to help alleviate perimenopause symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, some women may prefer to manage their symptoms with natural remedies. Here are a few ways you can support your body during this menopause transition:

• Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet is vital in managing hormonal changes during perimenopause. Incorporating foods rich in phytoestrogens, like soy and flaxseed, can help balance estrogen levels naturally.
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help regulate hormones and alleviate symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Weight training will especially help maintain muscle mass and promote bone health.
• Practice stress relief practices: Stress can worsen perimenopause symptoms, so finding ways to manage it is crucial. Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Try herbal teas: Certain herbs have been shown to help alleviate symptoms of perimenopause. Our Modestine®️ blend, Caribbean Crème, uses soursop and bay leaves to support relaxation and hormone balance while alleviating symptoms and boosting libido.

When to Seek Professional Help

As much as we may want to stick to natural remedies, sometimes the severity of perimenopause symptoms may require professional help.

Pre-menopause symptoms can feel similar to other health conditions, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and communicate any changes or concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help rule out any underlying issues and provide appropriate treatment if needed.

Some more severe symptoms that may require medical attention include: 

• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
• Severe mood swings or depression
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Trouble sleeping

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Your healthcare provider can offer a personalized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and improve your overall health and quality of life during this transition. 

Prioritizing Self-Care During Pre-Menopause

Whether you’re a busy mom, juggling a career, or both, it’s essential to prioritize self-care during pre-menopause. While it may seem impossible to carve out time for yourself, remember that you can’t effectively be there for others when you’re running on empty. Not only will your quality of life improve, but your loved ones will also benefit from a happier and healthier version of you.

Our favorite way to invite self-care into our daily routine is by creating wellness rituals. This allows you to slow down, take a breath, and indulge in the present moment. It sounds simple because it is! But the impact can be profound. 

Our Ritual Experience for Women involves drinking our organic herbal teas and using sacred tools such as incense, sound bowls, journals, affirmations, and more. We have a Morning Ritual Set, an Afternoon Ritual Set, an Evening Ritual Set, and an Affirmation Ritual Set to accommodate different needs and schedules. 

These sacred rituals are rooted in the ancestral healing traditions of my Grandma Modestine, a wise medicine woman who facilitated healing through the power of collective energy. Drinking tea in these rituals helps you connect with nature and the wisdom of your body, heart, and soul. The herbs in our teas are specifically chosen to support women’s health, including pre-menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and more.

But most importantly, this healing magic allows you to prioritize yourself and give yourself the care and attention you so deserve!

Embracing Your Womanhood Journey

Understanding these pre-menopause symptoms will help you tune into your body’s needs and give you the opportunity to take care of yourself in a holistic way. The ebb and flow of your womanhood journey is a natural part of life, and rather than suppressing or fighting against it, we invite you to embrace this powerful transition. 

It’s time to slow down and self-nurture, and our wellness teas are here to support you on this journey towards hormonal balance. At Modestine, we believe in the power of holistic healing through sacred rituals. So take a sip of our tea and honor yourself in the most beautiful way possible. 

Our healing teas are waiting for you. Shop now and start your journey towards wellness today!