Menopause is when a woman’s periods stop. Usually, it is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. Most often this time can last 2 to 8 years. During this time, your body undergoes changes such as:
1. Releases eggs less regularly
2. Makes less estrogen and other hormones
3. Becomes less fertile
4. Has shorter and more irregular menstrual cycles
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. During perimenopause, levels of estrogen start to decrease. You may begin having menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes or irregular periods. Perimenopause can last for years.
What causes perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a natural process caused when your ovaries gradually stop working. Ovulation may become erratic and then stop. The menstrual cycle lengthens, and flow might become irregular before your final period.
Healthcare experts believe that perimenopause is when your body starts transitioning to menopause. During this transition period, the body of women goes through an erratic menstrual cycle due to their ovaries begin producing fewer hormones. In perimenopause, women’s bodies are moving toward the end of their reproductive years. It’s a natural and normal progression, but it comes with both physical and emotional symptoms. Some of these symptoms can disrupt the life of women making them uncomfortable.
It is possible that perimenopause may begin as early as in the mid-30s or as late as in the mid-50s. Some women are in perimenopause for only a short time, while others are in it for several years. However, healthcare professionals state that even though their menstrual cycles are unpredictable and their hormone levels are declining, it’s still possible to get pregnant in perimenopause.
Evidently, perimenopause is a transitional time in the life of women that ends in menopause. Menopause means your periods have ended. When you have no menstrual cycle for 12 months in a row, you have officially reached menopause.
What are Perimenopause Symptoms?
Perimenopause symptoms are caused by the changing levels of hormones in the body. When estrogen is higher, women will have symptoms like they might have with PMS. When estrogen is low, they might have hot flashes or night sweats. These hormone changes might be mixed with normal cycles. Indeed no two women will experience perimenopause in the same way.
Listed below are the most common perimenopause symptoms:
1. Mood changes - Changes in mood like irritability, depression or mood swings.
2. Sleep problems (insomnia).
3. Periods that are heavier or lighter than usual.
4. Low libido - Changes in sexual desire
5. Trouble concentrating or with memory
6. Headaches
7. Night sweats
8. Irregular periods or skipping periods
9. Hot flashes
10. Vaginal dryness
11. Insomnia - Trouble with sleep
12. Joint and muscle aches
13. Heavy sweating
14. Having to pee often
15. PMS-like symptoms
Though your perimenopause symptoms might look like other health conditions it is prudent to talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Without the intervention of a health care provider, it is difficult to tell if you are having symptoms of perimenopause. Your healthcare provider will take into consideration factors such as perimenopause symptoms, health history, age, and a physical exam. You might be recommended to have blood tests to measure your hormone levels.
What is Perimenopause Treatment?
Though your perimenopause does not need treatment, but treatment can help ease symptoms. If your perimenopause symptoms are bothersome your healthcare provider will suggest certain perimenopause treatments that might include:
1. Hormone replacement therapy using estrogen or estrogen and progestin to level out hormone levels
2. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
3. Antidepressants
4. Gabapentin
5. Clonidine
6. Cognitive behavioral therapy
7. Plant-based therapies
8. Lifestyle changes
Simple lifestyle changes can be helpful such as eating a healthy diet with fruits vegetables and whole grains. Getting sufficient calcium is essential through your diet or supplements. Regular exercise can be helpful also keeping a record of the triggers of your hot flashes.
How Effective is HRT During Perimenopause?
During perimenopause, the hormonal changes you experience are due to declining estrogen levels in your body. Your ovaries make estrogen, which plays a vital role in maintaining your reproductive system. However, as estrogen levels decrease, it throws off the balance with progesterone, another hormone your ovaries produce. That’s the reason why your hormone level fluctuates during perimenopause making you feel like going up and down like a rollercoaster.
Finally, when you reach menopause, your body makes so little estrogen that your ovaries no longer release eggs (ovulation). At this moment, you stop having your period and you lose the ability to get pregnant.
Perimenopause FAQs
If you are facing a dilemma about what questions should I ask my healthcare provider? It is important to discuss your perimenopause symptoms with your healthcare provider. It might help to keep a journal of your menstrual cycles, including when they start and stop and the amount of bleeding.
Some questions you should ask about perimenopause and perimenopause symptoms are:
What are the first signs of perimenopause?
The most common first sign of perimenopause is a change in the flow and length of your menstrual cycle, or going 60 days or more between periods.
What is the perimenopause age?
Perimenopause can begin in your 30s, but it mostly happens when you're 40 to 44.
What are the three symptoms of perimenopause?
Three of the most common symptoms of perimenopause are:
1. Mood changes
2. Changes in sexual desire
3. Trouble concentrating
What are the two stages of perimenopause?
1. Early Stage - Perimenopause can begin in your 30s, but most often it starts when you're 40 to 44.
2. Late Stage - The late stages of perimenopause happen when you're in your late 40s or early 50s.
When should I call my provider?
If your perimenopausal symptoms are unbearable or interfering with your quality of life, it is the right time to contact a healthcare provider. They can recommend a treatment to reduce the intensity of your symptoms and get you feeling better.
Can perimenopause affect my sex life?
It is possible as certain symptoms of perimenopause like vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex can make having sex less desirable. Vaginal lubricants can help with dryness. You can consult your doctor or speak with your healthcare provider if you have issues with your sex drive so they can recommend ways to help you.
Does perimenopause affect my sleep?
Yes, perimenopause can cause insomnia and affect your sleep. People in perimenopause often experience insomnia and interrupted sleep due to night sweats or other menopausal symptoms.
What do hot flashes feel like during perimenopause?
A hot flash can feel like sudden warmth all over your body. It’s often accompanied by sweating and a red, flushed face. With low estrogen levels that cause changes, you will find hot flashes, and they can last months or years.
Why am I gaining weight during perimenopause?
Since the shift in hormones slows down your metabolism it is very common to gain weight once your estrogen levels start to decline. Eating healthy and nutritious foods and getting regular physical activity can help prevent weight gain during the transition to menopause.
HRT during Perimenopause or hormone replacement therapy is one of the effective Perimenopause Treatments chosen by healthcare professionals for perimenopause symptoms. When choosing this treatment to ease your perimenopause symptoms, it is best to follow your doctor’s advice.
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