What to Expect During Premenopause

Premenopause is the time period before actual symptoms of menopause appear. Some medical experts consider any woman over 40 to be in her premenopause period, even if no symptoms are present.

Period Fluctuations

• Fluctuation of menstrual cycles is usually one of the first symptoms of premenopause. Periods might be lighter one month and heavier the next, or your period might skip a month and return.

Sleep Disturbances

• Up to half of women will experience changes in their sleep patterns. Insomnia is the most frequent symptom, although others will wake up repeatedly through the night, experience nightmares or suffer night sweats.

Weight Gain

• Weight gain is common during premenopause. As metabolism slows, women will gain weight, even if they maintain the same diet and level of physical activity.

Sexual Dysfunction

• A decline in sexual function can be expected in up to 30 percent of women. Vaginal dryness is also common and might lead to women refusing sex because they feel unable to become aroused.

Mood Changes

• Mood swings affect the vast majority of women during premenopause. For some, it's a slight change that comes and goes, while others might experience severe depression. Stress can worsen this, so women should talk to their doctors about ways of dealing with the changes.