Perimenopause
Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body is making the natural transition toward permanent infertility. The hallmark of perimenopause is hormone fluctuations - especially changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. This phase can begin up to 10 years before menopause but most women start to notice symptoms around their mid-40s.
Some key things to know:
- Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, which is clinically defined as 12 months without a period. The average age for menopause is 51.
- Common perimenopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.
- Hormone levels during perimenopause can fluctuate dramatically, meaning symptoms may come and go or change over time. Tracking cycles and symptoms in a journal can help identify patterns.
- While this transition brings physical changes, perimenopausal women can take steps to minimize symptoms and reduce health risks, such as through regular exercise, stress management, and discussions with their doctor about hormone therapy options if needed.
The duration of perimenopause varies. Some women breeze through it with minimal issues while others deal with significant symptoms that disrupt their quality of life. Support and information are very helpful for navigating this transition time before menopause.
For more information, please visit Restore Health Clinic.