Information on Perimenopause

Perimenopause happens in the years preceding menopause. The time frame in which you will experience symptoms will vary, as will the symptoms and treatments. Irregular menstrual cycles are a common indication of perimenopause. You will also experience changes in your sex life and your emotional state. Eventually, you may prevent or relieve your symptoms armed with this helpful information.

Definition

• Perimenopause happens prior to menopause, when your ovaries no longer produce eggs. It includes the years that lead to menopause. During this time your body makes less hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Your ability to reproduce is also diminished. The decrease in hormones and reproductive ability occurs because of the fluctuating levels of hormones. You may begin to experience the symptoms of perimenopause as early as 35 years old.

Symptoms

• There are various symptoms of perimenopause. If you have night sweats or hot flashes and menstrual changes or vaginal dryness, you could be experiencing perimenopause. Depression, mood swings or even problems remembering things can be indicative of perimenopause. Pains during sex or lack of desire for sex are symptoms of perimenopause as well. You may even be experiencing urinary incontinence, urinary urgency or an increase in urinary tract infections, which are other symptoms of perimenopause.

Duration

• Perimenopause usually begins in your forties, but it can begin in your thirties. Perimenopause usually lasts an average of four years. However, you may experience symptoms for just a few months or even up to 10 years. The end of perimenopause is indicated by an acceleration in the decline of estrogen. At this point you will usually begin to experience symptoms of menopause. Unfortunately, there is no testing to determine how long perimenopause will last for you.

Diagnosis

• Your symptoms often indicate to your doctor that you have begun perimenopause. Journaling your symptoms can give you a more organized collection of information for your doctor to evaluate. There are also blood tests that can check your hormone levels. Your doctor will usually complete several of these tests at different times so that the information will not be inaccurate due to your hormone fluctuations.

Treatment

• There are ways to find relief from your perimenopause symptoms. Low dose birth control may be prescribed to relieve night sweats and hot flashes. If you are a smoker, quitting can also provide relief from symptoms. If you experience pain during sex, a vaginal lubricant can provide relief. Improving your lifestyle, with exercise, decreased alcohol intake, and achieving a healthy weight may all decrease perimenopause symptoms. A therapist can help with your desire for sex. If you experience severe mood swings, antidepressants may be included in your treatment plan. You should regularly communicate with your doctor so that they can help with the management of your symptoms.