How to Diagnose Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time before a woman enters into menopause. Perimenopause symptoms arise anywhere from 2 to 8 years before menopause. Symptoms are caused by the rising and falling of hormone levels. Perimenopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Instructions

• 1

  Track your period. The first sign of perimenopause is that your periods become irregular. They become erratic, and there will be months that you skip your period altogether.

• 2

  Be prepared for hot flashes and night sweats. These are the most common and irritating symptoms for women going through perimenopause. You may notice that your body temperature feels warmer, especially in the evening hours.

• 3

  Notice changes in sexual function. Due to decreased hormone levels that dry out vaginal secretions, you may find sex painful. Decreased sexual desire is also another common symptom of perimenopause.

• 4

  Consider your age. Although perimenopause typically begins when a woman is in her 40s, there have been cases of women experiencing symptoms as early as their late 30s.

• 5

  Make an appointment with your doctor. Keep a record of your period and any symptoms that you may have experienced. She'll advise you on how to go through the transition into menopause.