Perimenopause: Navigate this transition with gentleness and confidence thanks to Sacrée Française
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Time to read 9 min
Life is a succession of chapters , each with its own colors and challenges.
Perimenopause is one of those natural and significant transitions in a woman's life.
Far from being an end, it marks an evolution, a new stage to be welcomed with understanding and serenity.
At Sacrée Française, supporting women through all phases of their lives is a core value, offering solutions that honor their bodies and well-being. This article aims to shed light on perimenopause, offer comfort, and show how Sacrée Française can be a valuable ally during this time.
It's important to emphasize that women are not alone in facing these changes and that it's a natural and manageable phase. By addressing the topic of perimenopause openly, the goal is to destigmatize this experience and reinforce a message of autonomy and shared experience.
This approach allows the discussion to move beyond simple products, cultivating a bond of trust and an emotional connection, key elements of a lasting relationship.
Table of Contents
Perimenopause Decoded: Understanding the Changes in the Body What Exactly Is Perimenopause? Recognizing the Signs: Common Symptoms of Perimenopause Overview of Common Perimenopause Symptoms Sacrée Française: Your Comfort and Confidence Ally During Perimenopause The Best Reusable Menstrual Products to Start With Self-Care: Wellness Approaches for a Smoother Transition Conclusion: Experience Perimenopause with Strength and Grace In Brief: The Essentials of Your Perimenopause Journey with Sacrée Française Frequently Asked Questions Also Read
Perimenopause Decoded: Understanding the Changes in the Body
What exactly is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is, simply put, the transitional period that precedes menopause, that is, the definitive cessation of menstruation.
It is described as a "pivotal period" .
Its duration can vary considerably from one woman to another, generally lasting from two to four years, and sometimes even longer.
The medical community uses the term perimenopause to refer to the period from the beginning of this transition until actual menopause, which is confirmed after twelve consecutive months without menstruation.
The term "premenopause" is sometimes mentioned, which some sources use as a synonym for perimenopause , while others reserve it for an even earlier phase, marked by cycle disturbances without other major symptoms.
For clarity, this article will focus on perimenopause as the active phase of transition to menopause.
🟣 The waltz of hormones: What's happening in the body?
- Progressive Hormonal Reorganization: At the heart of perimenopause is a progressive hormonal reorganization, where the ovaries begin to alter their production of sex hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
- Estrogen fluctuations: Initially, estrogen secretion is generally preserved but becomes fluctuating and irregular, characterized by significant variations with peaks and falls rather than a constant linear decline. These fluctuations largely explain the often unpredictable nature of the symptoms experienced.
- Decreased progesterone and its consequences: Progesterone tends to decrease earlier, which can disrupt the balance with estrogen, contribute to certain discomforts and send variable signals to the body, which can lead to a range of physical and emotional manifestations.
🔵 The Menstrual Cycle: The First Messenger of Change
- Cycle changes as the first sign: For many women, the first concrete signs of entering perimenopause are changes in the menstrual cycle, which are often the most noticeable.
- Early Indicator and Preparation: These changes can serve as an early indicator; understanding that these menstrual irregularities are a common sign of perimenopause can help women be less alarmed and approach this phase with more preparation.
- Awareness and adjustments: Early awareness allows you to learn about other potential symptoms and consider lifestyle adjustments to better cope with this transition.
"Nothing in life is to be feared, everything is to be understood."
Recognizing the Signs: Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
Perimenopause is accompanied by a variety of symptoms, the intensity and nature of which vary for each woman. Some will go through this period with little discomfort, while others will experience more pronounced symptoms.
🟣 The Menstrual Roller Coaster: The Perimenopause Barometer
Changes in the menstrual cycle are at the forefront of perimenopause symptoms.
- Irregular cycles: Periods can become unpredictable. It is common to experience alternating short and long cycles. Some women will find their periods occur more frequently, while others will experience longer cycles or even months without a period.
- Fluctuating flow: The abundance of menstrual flow can also vary significantly. Periods can become lighter, sometimes manifesting as simple spotting, or conversely, become much heavier, even hemorrhagic, for several days. This very heavy bleeding can be the result of spikes in estrogen secretion. This unpredictable flow is a major source of discomfort and anxiety, making daily menstrual management more complex.
- Intensified Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms usually experienced before menstruation, such as breast tenderness, irritability, or bloating, may become more pronounced during perimenopause.
🔵Beyond the cycle: Other common manifestations
While menstrual changes are often the first to be observed, other symptoms can affect daily life:
- Hot flashes and night sweats: These are among the most well-known and common symptoms, affecting a large proportion of women. Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden and intense sensation of heat in the face, neck, and chest, which may be accompanied by redness and sweating. They can occur day or night. Night sweats, in particular, can significantly disrupt sleep.
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue: Insomnia is a common symptom, sometimes linked to night sweats, but also directly to hormonal changes. Poor sleep inevitably leads to daytime fatigue, which can affect alertness, concentration, and mood.
- Mood swings: Irritability, anxiety, mood swings, and even depressive episodes are common symptoms. These emotional changes are due to both hormonal fluctuations and the impact of other symptoms such as sleep deprivation.
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Physical Changes: Several other bodily changes may occur
Weight gain , especially in the abdominal area, is often observed and can be difficult to manage. It is linked to hormonal changes that modify the basic metabolism and the distribution of fat.
Vaginal dryness is caused by a drop in estrogen, which causes the vaginal walls to thin and lose elasticity, which can make intercourse uncomfortable.
Changes in skin and hair (dryness) may occur.
Increased breast sensitivity is possible.
Urinary problems , such as an increased need to urinate or light urinary leakage, may occur if the perineal muscles lose their tone.
The interconnectedness of these symptoms is notable: night sweats disrupt sleep, lack of sleep exacerbates fatigue and irritability, and a general state of fatigue can make it more difficult to manage weight or motivate oneself to exercise. Recognizing these connections helps us understand the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. Beyond physical discomfort, these symptoms can have a significant psychological impact, affecting self-esteem and social interactions.
Overview of Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
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When to see a doctor?
Although perimenopause is a natural process, it is important to consult a doctor or gynecologist in certain situations. A consultation is recommended if bleeding becomes very heavy (for example, requiring a change of protection every hour, or lasting more than 7 days), occurs less than three weeks apart with the presence of blood clots, or if there is bleeding between periods or after intercourse. Generally speaking, if symptoms, whatever they may be, become disabling and significantly affect quality of life, medical advice is appropriate to discuss management options and rule out other possible causes.
Sacrée Française: Your Comfort and Confidence Ally During Perimenopause
Faced with the challenges posed by perimenopause symptoms, particularly the unpredictability of menstrual cycles, choosing the right sanitary protection becomes essential. This isn't just a practical matter, but a real lever for reducing stress and improving daily comfort. Sacrée Française products are designed to offer practical and reassuring solutions.
A. Adaptability: The Key to Navigating Unpredictable Flows
One of the most unsettling aspects of perimenopause is the variability of menstrual flow. One day, bleeding may be minimal, the next, very heavy. Reusable sanitary protection, such as menstrual panties and reusable sanitary pads (SHL) offered by Sacrée Française, offers valuable adaptability. They come in different sizes and absorbency levels, allowing you to choose the most appropriate protection based on your current flow, whether it's light spotting or heavy periods. This flexibility allows you to always be prepared, providing considerable peace of mind and reducing the anxiety associated with the fear of unexpected leaks. Some SHL are even designed to handle light urinary leaks, another potential inconvenience during this time.
B. Unparalleled Comfort for a Period of Increased Sensitivity
During perimenopause, skin can become more sensitive, including the intimate area. Sacrée Française products are made from soft, breathable, and often hypoallergenic materials, such as organic cotton. This choice of quality textiles significantly limits the risk of irritation, itching, or allergies, which are common with some disposable products containing plastics or perfumes. Comfort is paramount, especially when the body is already going through many changes.
C. A Healthy Choice for Your Privacy
Choosing Sacrée Française reusable protection is also a good choice for your intimate health. These products are free from potentially harmful chemicals, perfumes, chlorine (used to bleach certain disposable protections) and plastics that come into direct contact with the skin and mucous membranes. During this period when hormonal balance is altered and vaginal dryness can be more common, avoiding chemical irritants is particularly important to maintain a healthy vaginal flora and prevent discomfort.
D. Discretion and Serenity: Day and Night
The reliability of Sacrée Française protection ensures significant peace of mind, day and night. Menstrual panties, for example, are designed to be discreet under clothing and offer effective protection, even during physical activity or while sleeping, limiting the risk of leaks. Being able to rely on your protection allows you to live your days more freely and enjoy more restful sleep, without the fear of waking up due to a leak.
E. Sustainable Elegance: A Gesture for You and for the Planet
Beyond comfort and health, choosing Sacrée Française reusable pads is part of a sustainable approach to elegance. In the long run, they represent a substantial saving compared to the repeated purchase of disposable products. In addition, they significantly contribute to waste reduction, an important gesture for the environment. This ethical and responsible dimension resonates with the values of many women who are concerned about their impact and the quality of the products they use. During periods of transition such as perimenopause, when we can feel a loss of control in the face of bodily changes, making a conscious choice for healthy, comfortable, and durable products can be an act of self-care and self-affirmation.
🌿 The Washable Panty Liner: Your Discreet and Gentle Ally for (Peri)menopause
Perimenopause and premenopause bring their share of unexpected events, including very light flow or spotting. The Sacrée Française washable panty liner is specially designed to support you with softness, comfort, and serenity during this transitional period.
✔️ Perfect fit for light flow and spotting: Ideal for unpredictable and light bleeding characteristic of perimenopause, it offers you discreet protection and just the right amount, when you need it.
✔️ Zero toxic residues for your intimate area: All Sacrée Française fabrics, including those in our panty liners, are Oeko-Tex certified. This guarantees protection without harmful substances, respectful of your skin and your intimate flora, a crucial aspect when sensitivity can be increased.
✔️ Everyday comfort and breathability: No more discomfort and moisture! Our panty liners are made with soft, natural materials, designed to let your skin breathe and offer you optimal well-being all day long.
✔️ Discretion and renewed confidence: Thin, flexible, and lightweight, the washable panty liner disappears under your clothes. It allows you to manage the little surprises of perimenopause with complete confidence and peace of mind, without compromising your comfort.
It's the simple and effective solution for experiencing this new stage with greater peace of mind, while taking care of yourself and the planet.
