Perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause, which officially begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. During perimenopause, a woman's body starts making changes as it transitions into menopause.
What changes can occur during perimenopause?
- Irregular menstrual cycles - Periods may become lighter or heavier and unpredictable. Menstrual cycles can also lengthen or shorten.
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of warmth in the face, neck and chest are common. These temporary flare-ups and chills can lead to sweating, flushing and wake you up at night.
- Sleep problems - Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep are common complaints.
- Vaginal dryness - Declining estrogen levels can cause the vaginal lining to thin and lose elasticity. This can make sexual activity uncomfortable.
- Mood changes - Irritability, anxiety, sadness and mood swings are often reported due to hormone fluctuations.
- Other physical and emotional changes - Headaches, urinary tract infections, weight gain, fatigue, memory issues, and loss of breast fullness may also occur.
When does perimenopause usually start?
For most women, the perimenopausal transition starts in their 40s, but it can begin earlier or later. Changes often start gradually but the timing varies widely. Genetics, lifestyle factors like smoking, race and ethnicity also play a role. Monitoring your cycles and
symptoms is important to identify the transition point.
I recommend contacting healthcare providers like
New Beginnings HRT Clinic early in the process for periodic
hormone testing and checkups. They can provide personalized care plans, including lifestyle changes and possibly bioidentical
hormone therapy to help ease this transition and improve your quality of life. With the right guidance, most women can manage perimenopausal changes smoothly.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to provide more details or resources on this important transition period for women.