Though every woman must experience menopause, the timing and symptoms are very different for each individual. The transition phase into menopause, otherwise known as perimenopause, can be difficult to recognize. Women may start to see these symptoms as early as in their 30s or late into their 50s. The early symptoms are often subtle or attributable to other circumstances in a woman’s life. The following are some of the more common signs of perimenopause.
. Menstrual irregularity. This can mean both heavier and lighter menstrual cycles, plus irregularities in the timing of them or even skipped periods.
. Hot flashes. Women in Perimenopause often experience unusual temperature changes, such as hot flashes, chills, and night sweats.
. Sleeping problems. Insomnia is a common complaint during perimenopause, sometimes due to hot flashes and night sweats, but often occurring separately.
. Mood changes, anxiety, depression, irritability. The hormonal ups and downs during perimenopause can cause many changes in a woman’s emotional state.
. Irregular heartbeats. Hormonal fluctuations have an effect on the adrenal glands, which can cause increased heart rates or palpitations.
. Fatigue. Women may experience overall tiredness and sometimes sudden crashing fatigue.
. Vaginal dryness. Lowering of estrogen will decrease the amount of vaginal lubrication.
. Changes in sexual function. During perimenopause, women may experience changes in sexual mood as their hormones rise and fall.
If any of these symptoms become alarming, women should consult their physicians. Doctors may confirm diagnosis of Perimenopause by symptoms alone or test for hormone levels. Perimenopause lasts an average of four years, though the length is different for each woman. Some experience only a few months of perimenopause while others have symptoms for as long as ten years. However, once a woman has gone twelve months without a menstrual cycle, they’re considered to be in menopause or permanent infertility. Perimenopause is then officially over.
