Menopause Resource Center
Perimenopause
article syndicated from NWHIC
What is perimenopause?
It is the time leading up to menopause (when you have
not had your period for twelve months). During perimenopause,
your body starts making less of certain hormones (estrogen
and progesterone), and you begin to lose the ability
to become pregnant.
How long does perimenopause last?
It varies. Women normally go through menopause between
ages 45 and 55. Many women experience menopause around
age 51. However, perimenopause can start as early as
age 35. It can last just a few months or a few years.
There is no way to tell in advance how long it will
last OR how long it will take you to go through it.
I've been depressed in the past.
Will this affect when I start going through perimenopause?
It could. Researchers are studying how depression
in a woman's life affects the time she starts perimenopause.
If you start perimenopause early, researchers don't
know if you reach menopause faster than other women
or if you're just in perimenopause longer.
What should I expect as I go through
perimenopause?
Some
women have symptoms during this time that can be difficult.
These symptoms include:
changes in your menstrual cycle (longer
or shorter periods, heavier or lighter periods,
or missed periods)
-
hot flashes (sudden rush of heat
from your chest to your head)
-
night sweats (hot flashes that happen
while you sleep)
-
vaginal dryness
-
sleep problems
-
mood changes (mood swings, depression,
irritability)
-
pain during sex
-
more urinary infections
-
urinary incontinence
-
less interest in sex
-
increase in body fat around your
waist
-
problems with concentration and memory
I don't understand why I get hot
flashes. Could you tell me what's going on with
my body?
We don't know exactly what causes hot flashes. It
could be a drop in estrogen or change in another hormone.
This affects the part of your brain that regulates
your body temperature. During a hot flash, you feel
a sudden rush of heat move from your chest to your
head. Your skin may turn red, and you may sweat. Hot
flashes are sometimes brought on by things like hot
weather, eating hot or spicy foods, or drinking alcohol
or caffeine. Try to avoid these things if you find
they trigger the hot flashes.
I am feeling so emotional lately.
Is this from the changes in my hormones?
Your
mood changes could be caused by a lot of factors. Some
researchers believe that the decrease in estrogen
triggers changes in your brain causing depression.
Others think that if you're depressed, irritable, and
anxious, it's influenced by other symptoms you're having,
such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats,
and fatigue-not hormonal changes. Or, it could be a
combination of hormone changes and symptoms. Other
things that could cause depression and/or anxiety include:
having depression during your lifetime
-
feeling negative about menopause
and getting older
-
increased stress
-
having severe menopause symptoms
-
smoking
-
not being physically active
-
not being happy in your relationship
or not being in a relationship
-
not having a job
-
not having enough money
-
low self-esteem (how you feel about
yourself)
-
not having the social support you
need
-
regretful that you can't have children
anymore
What can I do to prevent or relieve
symptoms of perimenopause?
Keep a journal for a few months and
write down your symptoms, like hot flashes, night
sweats, and mood changes. That can help you figure
out the changes you're going through.
-
Record your menstrual cycle, noting
whether you have a heavy, normal, or light period.
-
Find a physical activity that you'll
enjoy doing.
-
If
you smoke, try to quit.
-
Keep
your body mass index (BMI) at a normal level.
Figure out your BMI by going to www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.
-
Talk
to your friends who are in perimenopause or menopause. Most likely, they're going through the same things you are!
-
Do something new - volunteer or take
a class.
-
Use a vaginal lubricant for dryness
and pain during sex.
-
Dress in layers.
-
Try to figure out if certain triggers
cause hot flashes, like spicy foods or being outside
in the heat. Avoid these things.
-
Talk with your health care provider
(HCP) if you feel depressed or have any other questions
about how to relieve your symptoms.
I'm going through perimenopause
right now. My period is very heavy, and I'm bleeding
after sex. Is this normal?
Irregular periods are common and normal during perimenopause,
but not all changes in bleeding are from perimenopause
or menopause. Other things can cause abnormal bleeding.
Talk to your HCP if:
the bleeding is very heavy or comes
with clots
-
the bleeding lasts longer than 7
days
-
you have spotting or bleeding between
periods
-
you're bleeding from the vagina after
sex
Can I get pregnant while in perimenopause?
Yes. If you're still having periods, you can get pregnant.
Talk to your HCP about your options for birth control.
Keep in mind that methods of birth control, like birth
control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms will
not protect you from STDs or HIV. If you use one of
these methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or
dental dam (used for oral sex) correctly every time
you have sexual contact. Be aware that condoms don't
provide complete protection against STDs and HIV-the
only sure protection is abstinence (not having sex
of any kind). But appropriate and consistent use of
latex condoms and other barrier methods can help protect
you from STDs.
