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Olugbemi. Adeyinka Ogunleye
2 weeks ago
Overview
Features Sharon Enemuoh: How to Support Eye Health Through Nutrition in Perimenopause
Perimenopause, or menopausal transition, marks the gradual shift in a woman’s reproductive life when hormone levels, primarily estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate..
Perimenopause, or menopausal transition, marks the gradual shift in a woman’s reproductive life when hormone levels, primarily estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate. It can begin early for some women in their mid-30s or 40s and lasts until menopause officially begins (defined as 12 months after the last menstrual period).
During this period, women often experience symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, insomnia and a less-discussed but critical change: eye discomfort and visual disturbances.
Eye health challenges during perimenopause are common, yet they are underrecognised and unspoken of, as all things around menopause, yet it can significantly impact quality of life if not addressed early. Let’s explore how perimenopause affects the eyes and what women can do nutritionally and holistically to support their ocular health.
Dry Eye Syndrome
One of the most frequent ocular symptoms in perimenopausal and menopausal women is Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). This condition occurs due to reduced tear production or increased tear evaporation. Estrogen and androgen receptors are present in the meibomian glands (oil glands in the eyelids) and lacrimal glands; these help in tear production. With the hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause, especially a decline in estrogen, it can lead to reduced tear film stability, inflammation of the tear-producing glands, grittiness, burning, and itching sensations and sensitivity to light and wind.
