Perimenopause For Dummies

Get to know perimenopause and manage troublesome symptoms

Perimenopause For Dummies is a practical and comprehensive guide to the emotional, mental, and physical changes that begin to happen as you approach menopause. Demystify the connection between hormones and aging and make informed choices about how to deal with symptoms like weight gain, hot flashes, depression, mood swings, and insomnia. You’ll learn about natural remedies and medical interventions that can ease the transition between fertility and menopause. Most importantly, you’ll know what to expect, so the changes happening in your body won’t take you by surprise. This Dummies guide is like a trusted friend who can guide you through your life’s next chapter.

• Learn what perimenopause is and identify the most common symptoms
• Understand how perimenopause can affect your body, emotions, and libido
• Ease symptoms with hormonal solutions, diet, and exercise
• Discover ways of supporting yourself or your loved ones through perimenopause

Perimenopause For Dummies offers clear, compassionate answers for anyone who is currently experiencing perimenopause or who is ready to learn more about it.

Introduction 1

Part 1: The Facts of Life at Perimenopause 5

Chapter 1: Welcome to Perimenopause 7

Chapter 2: Getting Acquainted with Your Midlife Body 19

Chapter 3: Special Circumstances That Can Impact Perimenopause 37

Chapter 4: Examining Genetic and Environmental Influences 49

Part 2: Hormone Fluctuations and Their Impact in Perimenopause 61

Chapter 5: Bleeding Is Such a Bother: Too Little, Too Much, Too Random 63

Chapter 6: Hormonal Changes: Understanding the Swings of Perimenopause 73

Chapter 7: Holding onto Your Libido and Keeping It Comfortable “Down There” 95

Part 3: Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing 117

Chapter 8: Brain Changes: What to Expect and What to Do When the Fog Rolls In 119

Chapter 9: Mental Health Changes: You’re Not Imagining It 129

Chapter 10: Looking After You: Practicing Self-Care 143

Chapter 11: The Elusive Full Night of Sleep 155

Part 4: Maintaining a Healthy Body 171

Chapter 12: Managing a Bladder That Won’t Behave 173

Chapter 13: Maintaining a Healthy Diet Before Menopause 187

Chapter 14: Getting into an Exercise Plan Before Menopause 203

Chapter 15: Understanding and Preventing Bone Loss 223

Chapter 16: Monitoring Your Health with Tests and Screenings 235

Part 5: The Part of Tens 243

Chapter 17: Ten Perimenopause Myths Exposed 245

Chapter 18: Ten Things to Ignore During Perimenopause 251

Chapter 19: Ten Things You Really Need During Perimenopause 257

Chapter 20: Ten Perimenopause Stories from My Practice 261

Part 6: Appendixes 269

Appendix A: Glossary 271

Appendix B: Perimenopause Resources 279

Index 283

Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is an obste­trician and gynecologist with her own Ob/Gyn practice and over 30 years of experience. Dr. Levy-Gantt is a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner whose areas of expertise include menopause, perimenopause, and hormonal management. She is the author of Womb With A View.

Smooth the bumps in the road to menopause

Women approaching menopause start experiencing natural shifts in their bodies as early as the 30s. Perimenopause For Dummies explains what’s going on, giving you all the information you need to reduce symptoms and navigate this life transition. You’ll learn about changes in your weight, muscles, bladder, bones, and hormones. And you’ll discover how to combat sleep loss, hot flashes, low libido and other pesky problems that herald the end of your fertility. Celebrate the new chapter in your life with this Dummies guide.

Inside …

• Perimenopause vs menopause
• Symptoms of hormonal shifts
• Maintaining muscle and bone
• Anxiety, depression, and mood
• Changes to the vagina & vulva
• Tips for keeping up libido
• Nutrition and exercise plans
• Common myths, debunked