As soon as you enter your mid 30s, your body begins to change. You may suffer from hot flashes, mood swings and other changes that you have never experienced before. This could be an indication that you are entering the Perimenopause stage. Today we present to you a list of signs and symptoms that may indicate that you are in perimenopause phase.

Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause

Most women experience the transition period during the late 30’s and early 40’s, when the level of estrogen production decreases in the ovaries. This phase is known as perimenopause. This phase lasts until the menopause stage is over, when no more eggs are produced by the ovaries. The rate of drop in the estrogen production level speeds up in the last couple of years of perimenopause.  The length of perimenopause period varies from person to person. It may range from 4 years to ten years. When a woman experiences a span of 12 months without a period, it indicates that the menopause period is over.

Several symptoms are visible during this phase. Here we list up the signs and symptoms of perimenopause, so that you can realize when it is coming.

Sleeping problems and hot flashes

During the early years of perimenopause, you may suffer from sleep disturbances. You will start experiencing hot flashes, the intensity and length of which can vary. The frequency of hot flashes also alters from one person to another. It disturbs your sleep and you sweat a lot during night.

Mood swings

In case you are having frequent mood swings and depressions, you may be experiencing perimenopause. People get irritated during this period easily. This happens primarily due to hormonal changes. You may not be experiencing these changes under normal circumstances, but your late 30’s and 40’s is likely to give you frequent mood changes.

Drop in fertility

With the decrement in the ovulation process, you will suffer from a decrement in fertility. The chances of conceiving also drop, correspondingly. This does not necessarily indicate that you will not get pregnant. As long as the process continues, the ovulation process continues, but to a lesser extent. In order to do away with the chances of pregnancy, continue with the birth control measures until you have no periods for 12 months at a stretch.

Decreased sex drive

The sex drive decreases rapidly during perimenopause, as the hormonal activities decrease in your body. The sexual desire undergoes a cut during this stage. However, this is not evident in many women, particularly in those who had more sexual intimacy before this period. Still, a general drop in sexual arousing is evident during perimenopause.

Bladder problems

Bladder problems, coupled with vaginal issues may be a matter of discomfort during this time. As you know, the level of estrogen decreases at this stage. In normal conditions, they serve as a lubricant in the vaginal region. With the drop in estrogen, the elasticity decreases. Apart from this, chances of catching infection also increase. You lose the tone of tissue in these areas. It may cause urinary discharge problems.

Irregularity in periods

Another prominent change that you might notice during this period is the change in period cycle. It may take a longer time or shorter. The flow and intensity may also increase or decrease. Altogether, the cycle will be disrupted and you will not be experiencing normal period cycles. When the interval between two consecutive cycles reaches around 60 days, you can be sure of your perimenopause.

Fragile bones

Loss of bones is one of the most common features during perimenopause. The bones start becoming weaker and people start losing their bones quicker than they can be replenished. A disease called osteoporosis is common during this phase, which causes the bones to become weak and fragile.

Changing levels of cholesterol

The phase of perimenopause witnesses a change in the level of cholesterol in the body. In many individuals, the ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL) level rises and it increases the cardiac risks. Good cholesterol (HDL) decreases in the body during this time.

It is recommended to see your physician during this phase, although all women do not require medical attention. Most of the time, people do not realize it during the first few months, as it is a slow and gradual in nature. Factors that are likely to cause perimenopause at an earlier age include smoking, hysterectomy and pelvic radiation for the treatment of cancer.

Perimenopause is a part of natural life cycle and does not require serious attention most of the time. However, if you find the discomfiture to be intolerable, you can visit your physician. It comes to an end with menopause.

 References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/dxc-20253775

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/guide-perimenopause#1