What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which is the point when a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently. The perimenopausal transition usually begins several years before menopause, often in a woman's 40s, but can start as early as the 30s.
Some key things to know about perimenopause:
- It marks the shift into the later reproductive years and the approach of menopause. This phase can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
- Fluctuating hormone levels are a hallmark of perimenopause. Estrogen levels rise and fall unevenly, which can lead to changes like:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Sleep problems
- Vaginal dryness
- The variability in estrogen and progesterone can cause menstrual cycle irregularity. Periods may be lighter or heavier, last longer or shorter, or the time between cycles may lengthen.
- Perimenopausal symptoms also include mood changes like irritability, anxiety, and depression. Headaches, changes in libido, and urinary issues may occur as well.
- There's no definitive lab test for perimenopause. Tracking symptoms and menstrual patterns over time is the main way health providers diagnose it.
- Making lifestyle adjustments can help ease challenging symptoms like using fans/dress in layers for hot flashes, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and finding healthy ways to manage stress and sleep issues.
- Hormone therapy may be an option for some women who have severe hot flashes or other symptoms that interfere with sleep/quality of life. Discuss with a healthcare provider at Vitality Clinic.
The perimenopausal transition is a time of change, but also an opportunity to proactively nurture better health habits that set the stage for aging comfortably. Tracking symptoms, communicating with your healthcare team, and making positive lifestyle changes can help smooth the variability of this transitional time leading up to menopause.