What are some perimenopause symptoms?
Common symptoms of perimenopause include:
- Irregular periods: This can be one of the first symptoms, and it can last for several years. Your periods may become shorter, longer, or more frequent, and the amount of blood flow may vary.
- Hot flashes: These are sudden, intense feelings of heat that spread over the body and can cause sweating and redness. Hot flashes can be very uncomfortable, and they can interfere with sleep and daily activities.
- Night sweats: These are similar to hot flashes, but they occur during sleep. Night sweats can cause you to wake up feeling hot and damp, and they can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep.
- Mood changes: Perimenopause can cause a range of mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and depression. Mood changes can also be related to the other symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Trouble sleeping: Perimenopause can cause a number of sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome.
- Vaginal changes: Perimenopause can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can lead to pain or discomfort during sex.
- Urinary changes: Perimenopause can cause the muscles of the bladder to become weaker, which can lead to urinary incontinence.
- Skin changes: Perimenopause can cause the skin to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
- Weight gain: Perimenopause can cause women to gain weight, especially around the belly. This is due to a number of factors, including hormonal changes and decreased physical activity.
- Hair changes: Perimenopause can cause hair loss and thinning. This is due to decreased estrogen levels.
- Dry eyes: Perimenopause can cause the eyes to become dry, itchy, or irritated. This is due to decreased estrogen levels.
- Joint pain: Perimenopause can cause joint pain and stiffness. This is due to decreased estrogen levels and increased inflammation.
- Memory problems: Perimenopause can cause memory problems and forgetfulness. This is due to decreased estrogen levels and increased inflammation.