This infection is one of the most common causes of death worldwide
As hormone levels change, your cycles can become shorter or longer. You might begin to have cycles where your ovaries don't ovulate.
The onset of hot flashes—of varying length, intensity, and frequency—s perhaps one of the most well-known symptoms of perimenopause.
Women experience perimenopause differently, and its onset will vary from person to person. For many, sometime in their forties is when the symptoms will first occur.
Perimenopause literally means "around" menopause. It's the time when your body is making the transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.
However, for some, symptoms such as periods becoming more irregular or the start of hot flashes could onset as early as their mid-thirties.
During perimenopause, the levels of estrogen in your body rise and fall unevenly. This hormonal fluctuation is what causes symptoms to arise.
Estrogen plays a role in keeping cholesterol low. Declining estrogen can mean you see an increase in LDL "bad" cholesterols, and a decrease in HDL "good" cholesterols. LDLs increase your risk of heart disease.
Estrogen slows down the natural breakdown of bone. As estrogen decreases, you start to lose bone faster than you can replace it, increasing your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Losing tissue and tone can also lead to bladder problems during perimenopause, such as incontinence. Your vulnerability to urinary tract infections also increases.
As long as you still have periods, it's still possible to become pregnant. If that's something you don't want, continue to use birth control methods.
During perimenopause, your body is beginning to ovulate less. With this irregularity, your ability to conceive decreases.
The likelihood of mood swings and feelings of irritability is higher during this time in your life, as is your risk of depression.
As estrogen levels decrease, your vagina loses lubrication and elasticity. As a result, intercourse can become more painful.
Unpredictable ovulation is a sign of perimenopause. If your cycle has a persistent change of more than seven days, you could be in perimenopause. Going more than 60 days between periods can indicate you're in the late stages.
It's not uncommon for hot flashes to interrupt sleep patterns. However, even without them you can experience disruption to your sleep as perimenopause begins.
The domino effect of hormone fluctuations, hot flashes, and a lack of sleep can cause mood problems during perimenopause.
Some women don't experience many symptoms at all. However, if your symptoms are interfering with your well-being, or you feel concerned, it's time to see a doctor.
Extremely heavy bleeding (where you have to change a pad or tampon more than every two hours), bleeding that lasts longer than seven days, and bleeding that occurs between periods are signs of a reproductive problem; you should contact your doctor.
If the women in your family have a history of perimenopause symptoms beginning at an earlier age, there's a higher chance you will, too.
If you've undergone chemotherapy or pelvic radiation treatment for cancer, you're more likely to experience earlier perimenopause.
However, perimenopause might begin sooner. If you've had surgery to remove an ovary, there's a chance the remaining ovary might stop working earlier.
If you undergo a hysterectomy to remove your uterus, but your ovaries remain intact, this usually does not cause menopause. Your ovaries continue to produce estrogen, even though you no longer have periods.
There's evidence to suggest certain factors make it more likely you'll begin perimenopause sooner. For instance, symptoms onset one to two years earlier in women who smoke versus those who don't.
Symptoms can be subtle and gradual, worsening over time. At first, you might not realize what's happening is perimenopause.
Making time in your day for deep belly breathing, yoga, meditation, or active mindfulness can help reduce stress during this transitional time.
Some women find black cohosh helps with reducing hot flashes. However, there's not enough evidence-based research to back this up. Consult your doctor before taking herbs or herbal supplements.
Water-based lubricants and moisturizers can make life more comfortable. Staying active with your partner can help ease symptoms, as it increases blood flow to the area.
Consuming enough calcium-rich and heart-healthy foods should be a priority, to support your body's nutrient needs during this time. You might need to take a vitamin D supplement to help with calcium absorption, if you live somewhere that has less sunlight.
Phytoestrogens occur naturally in certain foods, like flaxseed, soybeans, legumes, and red clover. Again, studies conflict about their efficacy, so exercise caution before taking/consuming anything new.
Keep track of your cycles, symptoms, family history, and any medications (including vitamin and herb supplements) you're taking. That way, if you need to see your doctor, you have all the relevant information ready.
Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (Harvard Health) (Web MD) (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
See also: Celebrity women open up about menopause
When hormonal functions begin to change, it can be a confusing time; hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings will do that! But what many people believe is menopause is actually the step beforehand, and it can last several years. Perimenopause varies greatly depending on the person, but many of the symptoms we associate with menopause itself are actually a part of the perimenopausal phase. They can start as early as 40, or even earlier in some cases. But how do you know if that's what you're going through?
Click on to discover the signs of perimenopause.
Could it be perimenopause? Here's what you should know
Changes can begin up to eight years pre-menopause
HEALTH Women's health
When hormonal functions begin to change, it can be a confusing time; hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings will do that! But what many people believe is menopause is actually the step beforehand, and it can last several years. Perimenopause varies greatly depending on the person, but many of the symptoms we associate with menopause itself are actually a part of the perimenopausal phase. They can start as early as 40, or even earlier in some cases. But how do you know if that's what you're going through?
Click on to discover the signs of perimenopause.