Beth Behrs, 38, says male doctors said she was ‘too young’ to be in perimenopause. Symptoms, signs, age and everything you need to know

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Beth Behrs, 38, says male doctors said she was ‘too young’ to be in perimenopause. Symptoms, signs, age and everything you need to know

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Beth Behrs says male doctors “dismissed” the idea that she could be in perimenopause at 38. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images)

Actress

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says her perimenopause symptoms were initially “dismissed” by doctors. In

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with Glamour, the now 38-year-old actress from “The Neighborhood” said it took three years before she learned the challenging symptoms she was experiencing were in fact perimenopause.

“I would go see doctors, get ultrasounds, and was always told, ‘You’re fine.’ Or, specifically from male doctors, ‘You’re too young for perimenopause.’ But I knew something wasn’t right,” Behrs

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. “And now I know that, no, your late 30s is not ‘too young.'”

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A year after she welcomed her daughter, Emma, Behrs began experiencing what she initially believed to be “fevers.”

“It almost felt like I had a sunburn going up my whole body. And it wasn’t sweaty. No sheet sweat, nothing like that. But it was affecting my sleep, and I was getting really bad insomnia, along with really heavy periods and heavy fatigue,” she said.

Beth Behrs is sharing the symptoms that led to a perimenopause diagnosis. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

The “Two Broke Girls” star said she began gaining weight, despite not changing her eating habits or exercise routine. At work, the actress said she felt an intense feeling similar to brain fog where her mind would go “blank.”

Behrs was introduced to Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, obstetrician-gynecologist who specializes in perimenopause and menopause. She received confirmation that her symptoms were related to perimenopause and received a game plan with the help of a nutritionist on how to eat to balance her blood sugar for her hormones.

“I went back on estrogen. I went back on the pill. My periods became so much less heavy” she said. The fatigue was so much better. I still get hot flashes or brain fog occasionally, but at least I know why. I feel like I’ve finally gotten a little bit of control, even though part of it is letting go of the control.”

Most women know about

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but the lack of conversation surrounding perimenopause causes many people to suffer in silence. What about the stages surrounding this transitional time?

Perimenopause is the phase that comes prior to menopause. During this time, one’s

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significantly. Perimenopause also comes with

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, such as

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, mood swings and infertility.

So, what exactly is perimenopause? Read on to learn the signs, symptoms and need-to-know information.

What is perimenopause?

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refers to a ******* of time leading up to menopause. This stage lasts anywhere from

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.

During this stage, women show symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, ******** dryness and night sweats. One of the main signs of perimenopause is

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, though

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and have other associated symptoms.

Perimenopause is a natural stage of aging that is caused by the

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. With the decline in eggs, hormone levels fluctuate, and one’s menstrual ******* becomes more irregular. The perimenopausal stage continues

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, and the menopausal stage commences.

Perimenopause refers to a ******* of time leading up to menopause. (Photo via Getty Images)

How is perimenopause different from menopause?

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is the stage that follows perimenopause.

While women may experience

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during perimenopause, menopause marks the time when one’s

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. The average age for starting menopause

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.

During menopause, the associated symptoms may increase in frequency, with

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.

However, once hormone levels lower, the symptoms of menopause typically

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At what age does perimenopause start?

Some women show signs of perimenopause

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. For other women, perimenopause can start

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. On average in Canada, perimenopause begins

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, or around age 47.

While every woman is different, some cases of early perimenopause are due to

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. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are two medical treatments

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.

Additionally,

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are linked to early menopause. After an

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in which both ovaries are removed, sudden menopause also begins.

On average in Canada, perimenopause begins four years before one’s last *******, or around age 47. (Photo via Getty Images)

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

Perimenopause shares many of the same symptoms as menopause. Some of the

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include:

Irregular menstrual cycle

Hot flashes, flushes or power surges

Fluctuating estrogen levels

Increase in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms

Osteoporosis or bone loss

Changes in skin elasticity

Some women may also experience

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during perimenopause or menopause. Those who experienced postpartum depression are

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at this time.

The symptoms of perimenopause range from mild to severe, with some women needing medical treatment to navigate their symptoms. These treatments include

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, antidepressants and

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.

Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional prior to starting any new medication, and to learn whether one of these treatments may be right for you.

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can also mitigate the severity of perimenopausal symptoms. Changes to consider include quitting smoking, managing stress,

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and exercising regularly.

Hot flashes are a common sign of perimenopause. (Photo via Getty Images)

When to call a doctor

More severe symptoms may need a doctor’s attention. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing

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:

Unusually heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods

Bleeding between menstrual periods

Bleeding after having no periods for over six months

Bleeding while on hormones

Severe insomnia, hot flashes or mood swings that are interfering with your daily life

Signs of a ******** tract infection

The bottom line

Perimenopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, and it should not be feared. While the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be uncomfortable, it’s not forever.

If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, talk to your doctor to decide if any treatments might be right for you to help you navigate these changes.

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#Beth #Behrs #male #doctors #young #perimenopause #Symptoms #signs #age

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