Perimenopause symptoms

Main Menu

Shopping Online

Informational Resources


Return to Menopause Articles Index Page		\| E-Mail Page To A Friend \|

Perimenopausal Symptoms Begin Long Before Full Blown Menopause

Perimenopause

Menopause isn't something that occurs overnight. In fact, most women will experience menopause symptoms and the signs of menopause years before their periods actually stop. For most women, perimenopause or premenopause will happen long before full blown menopause occurs. Perimenopause is best defined then, as the period of time leading up to menopause.

What Happens during Perimenopause
Much like during menopause, perimenopause is a period of time when a women's hormones fluctuate and change.

The symptoms of perimenopause often begin years before a woman's period actually ceases. Menopause isn't a process that happens overnight; rather over a period of a few years a woman's health and body goes through many different changes both physically and emotionally.

During perimenopause a woman might experience many of the same symptoms they would associate with menopause, including:

Headaches

Night sweats

Hot flashes

Weight gain

Insomnia

Heart palpitations

Fatigue

Urinary problems

Vaginal dryness

Bone loss

Depression and Anxiety

Fortunately most of these symptoms can be managed and even eliminated through a variety of interventions, including diet, exercise and supplementation. Many women actually go through the first stages of perimenopause without even realizing that their body is undergoing any drastic hormonal fluctuations.

If you are someone who has experienced excessive PMS symptoms in the past, you may be likely to experience more of the symptoms of perimenopause than someone who has not.

When can I Expect Perimenopause Symptoms to Strike?
Most women will experience perimenopause around the age of forty, however this may vary for a woman depending on a number of factors including genetics. If your mother started experiencing signs and symptoms of perimenopause earlier then you are more likely to as well. For some women it isn't uncommon to experience signs of perimenopause in the late thirties.

For most women perimenopause will last anywhere from five to fifteen years. The good news is that during this period of time you can live an ordinary and healthy life. Many women can get pregnant during the perimenopausal period, so do not assume that because you are having some of the signs of menopause that you are infertile.

When does True Menopause Symptoms Begin?
True menopause is officially defined as the period in time when your menstrual flow stops completely. Menopause can be diagnosed after your periods have ceased for at least one full year.

For most women this occurs sometime after the age of 50. It is important to know that even after menopause your body will go through a number of changes. Thus it is vital that you still seek out routine care from your healthcare provider and engage in a variety of healthy activities to maintain your health and well being.

If you feel that you are having any of the signs or symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider for an exact diagnosis. Some of the signs and symptoms of perimenopause are similar to those of other diseases or conditions, thus it is important that you receive an accurate diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a reasonable healthcare routine that will help you minimize any uncomfortable symptoms you are having and continue leading a normal, healthy and productive lifestyle.