Perimenopause also referred as menopause transition marks significant stage of female reproductive system. As the name indicates itself, this marks the beginning of menopause that actually starts several years ahead of actual menopause. Again, starting of perimenopause varies considerably; while some women may experience the PMS symptoms in their thirties, many experience them in early forties.
Perimenopause duration
While the start of perimenopause marks the beginning of transition period in women related to menopause, its end marks the actual menopause in women (ovaries failing to produce eggs). While the average duration of perimenopause is about four years, in some cases it varies from few months to 10 to 12 years.
Perimenopausal symptoms and effects
Due to the various subtle and more evident changes that occur in body in the period of perimenopause, you may experience some of these symptoms.
- Irregularity in menstruation cycle – Perimenopausal phase is characterized by frequent erratic ovulations leading to variation in period intervals (early and late perimenopause)
- Mood swings – One of the common symptoms experienced by many women that are mainly caused due to hormonal imbalance and suffering woman exhibit sudden changes in mood in a short time.
- Hot flashes and night sweats – Studies have shown that almost 75% of US women experience hot flashes, most of them experiencing it in the later phase of perimenopause.
- Loss of libido – There is a considerable decline in sex drive by some women during this phase.
- Loss of elasticity in the vaginal region – as estrogen hormones are chiefly responsible for maintaining the elasticity of vaginal tissues and perimenopause reflects the decreasing level of estrogen, the vaginal tissues lose their elasticity resulting in itching, difficulty in urination and even vaginal diseases.
- Increased possibility of osteoporosis – Due to the declining levels of estrogen, dexterity of bones decreases making the body prone to osteoporosis.
- Other symptoms like fatigue, loss of memory, insomnia, weight gain can be experienced by women.
When to seek medical attention?
While in some cases, the body changes and subsequent perimenopause symptoms are subtle and quite easy to tolerate, some women may experience very severe symptoms. In case of such severe symptoms, you need to consult your physician and take help of diverse therapies to alleviate them.
