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What Symptoms Happen Right Before Menopause?

A woman's body goes through many changes as the stage of reproduction ends and menopause begins. In transitioning from menstruation to menopause, a woman may experience several symptoms and discomforts.

  1. Identification

    • The stage of time before menopause is called perimenopause. It is often called premenopause or menopause transition. It occurs 2 to 8 years before the onset of menopause, between the ages of 45 and 55.

    Symptoms

    • Some of the symptoms experienced during perimenopause are heavy, light or sporadic menstrual bleeding; spotting; irritability; vaginal dryness and mood swings.

    Causes

    • Causes of perimenopause are lowering levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Although the levels will eventually decline enough to start menopause, in this stage these hormones rise and decline dramatically.

    Treatments

    • Treatments for irregular bleeding include the use of oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives will regulate the hormones, thereby restoring normal menses and decreasing spotting. Vaginal dryness can be relieved with the use of lubricants. Mental symptoms of perimenopause can be relieved with antidepressants or therapy.

    Special Considerations

    • If extreme abdominal pain or bleeding is experienced, or if an abnormal amount of blood clots are being passed, a physician should be contacted immediately. These may be symptoms of potential health problems such as endometriosis, uterine polyps, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts.

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