Sarah [00:00:00]:
Welcome to Mister Menopause on the radio. Here to guide you through the journey of menopause with compassion and expertise is award winning menopause educator, author, speaker and your host, Tafiq Aqir, also known as Mister menopause. Get ready to be informed, empowered and inspired. Now let's dive in.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:00:21]:
Welcome back to the Mister Menopause on the radio podcast, it's Tafiq Akhir, Mr. Menopause here and today I'm shedding light on a crucial, yet often under discussed phase of menopause known as perimenopause. And while menopause itself is widely recognized, its preceding stage, perimenopause, is pivotal for understanding and managing your health effectively during the menopause transition. Perimenopause, meaning around menopause, refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause. It typically begins in a woman's forties, but can start as early as her mid thirties, thirties or as late as her fifties. This phase can last anywhere from a few months to over a decade and is characterized by hormonal fluctuations as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen.
Speaker C [00:01:18]:
Women need to know that this stage.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:01:20]:
Can last anywhere between three to 15.
Speaker C [00:01:23]:
Years, with many women struggling in silence.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:01:26]:
For those years, not knowing that their.
Speaker C [00:01:28]:
Symptoms are even menopause related.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:01:35]:
During perimenopause, women may experience a range of symptoms, often more varied and intense than those of menopause itself. And these can include irregular periods and that would be changes in menstrual cycle length, flow and even frequency. Menstrual flooding or heavy periods are common symptoms of perimenopause as well. Then there's hot flashes and night sweats.
Speaker C [00:01:59]:
And these are sudden feelings of heat.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:02:01]:
And excessive sweating that disrupt daily activities and sleep. And of course, theres mood swings and emotional changes. This includes increased irritability, anxiety and depression. And then theres sleep disturbances, difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or just experiencing unrestful sleep. And then theres physical changes like weight gain, changes in skin elasticity and thinning hair. And then finally cognitive effects like memory lapses and difficulty concentrating.
Speaker C [00:02:34]:
And these are just some of the up to 60 symptoms that can significantly.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:02:39]:
Impact a woman's quality of life. Yet they are often misunderstood or attributed to other causes leading to unnecessary stress and confusion. Now here are four key reasons that perimenopause awareness is so important. Number one is empowerment through knowledge. Understanding perimenopause allows women to anticipate changes in their body and seek appropriate care. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and your lifestyle. Number two is early intervention. Awareness of perimenopause symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and management.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:03:23]:
This can include lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes and medical interventions to alleviate symptoms and.
Speaker C [00:03:30]:
Reduce the risk of long term health.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:03:32]:
Issues such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Then theres number three, mental health support. Recognizing the emotional and psychological impact of perimenopause is vital.
Speaker C [00:03:46]:
Awareness can lead to better mental health.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:03:48]:
Support, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression during this transitional phase. Four is improved healthcare conversations. When women are aware of perimenopause, they can communicate more effectively with healthcare providers and this leads to more personalized care and a collaborative approach to managing symptoms and maintaining overall health. Despite its significance, perimenopause is often overshadowed by menopause in society as a whole. Several steps can be taken to address this gap. Things like education campaigns, public health campaigns and educational programs can raise awareness about perimenopause, its symptoms and management strategies. Then theres workplace policies. Employers can implement menopause awareness training in supportive policies, ensuring that women receive the.
Speaker C [00:04:46]:
Necessary support to manage symptoms in the.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:04:49]:
Workplace and then just having open conversations. Encouraging open dialogue about perimenopause in social and medical settings can reduce stigma and.
Speaker C [00:04:59]:
Promote a better understanding understanding of this stage of life.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:05:07]:
The takeaway I hope to inspire with this episode is that perimenopause, despite being a crucial stage in a woman's life, is often overlooked and misunderstood. By increasing awareness and understanding of perimenopause, women can navigate this phase with confidence and proactive health management. Empowerment through knowledge, early intervention, mental health support and improved healthcare conversations are key to thriving during this transitional period. Its time to break the silence, embrace education and empower women to thrive through every stage of menopause. If you feel confused or unsure about menopause symptom management, health improvement and the types of support available, take my menopause awareness assessment.
Speaker C [00:05:57]:
This assessment can help you better understand.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:05:59]:
Your menopause journey and find the support that you need to manage this transition effectively. Go to my website, mrmenopause.com. that's mrmenopause.com to take the assessment today. Thank you for joining me on this episode of Mister Menopause on the radio. I hope you found these insights helpful and empowering. Don't forget to subscribe and tune in next time as we continue to explore the many facets of menopause. Until then, stay safe and be well.
