Perimenopause, according to MayoClinic.com, "is the interval during which [a woman's body] begins its transition into menopause." Perimenopause can begin anywhere from a woman's late 30s to early 50s. (On average, menopause begins at age 51.) Perimenopause can last between two to eight years and includes the year after a woman's last menstrual period. As with menopause, the uneven rise and fall of estrogen levels that occurs during these years can result in signs and symptoms that may cause discomfort.
Perimenopause Signs
There are several signs that can indicate that a woman has entered perimenopause, including the following:
- changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular or longer, heavier periods or shorter, lighter periods
- hot flashes and night sweats (which can cause insomnia)
- mood swings and irritability
- vaginal dryness
- increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to low estrogen levels
Some women will notice these signs as early as their late 30s, while others may not notice them until their mid-40s. These signs may be so mild (or non-existent) that women don't realize that they have entered perimenopause.
Treatment for Perimenopause Symptoms
Perimenopause is a natural process and does not need medical treatment; however, there is relief for women whose symptoms cause discomfort. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not recommended before menopause actually begins (i.e. when a woman has gone 12 months without a period), some perimenopausal women opt to take oral contraceptives (the "pill") to help regulate their menstrual cycles. This treatment is not recommended for women over the age of 35 who smoke, or for women with a history of blood clots. Because the pill helps to regulate hormone levels, it can help alleviate the other symptoms of perimenopause as well.
Some women have reported relief from hot flashes after using the herbal remedy black cohosh; however, the North American Menopause Society does not recommend taking black cohosh for longer than six months. There is anecdotal evidence that vitamin E also helps to alleviate mild hot flashes.
Women who are truly suffering should consult their doctors, who may prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (an SSRI, most commonly used for the treatment of depression) or another type of drug. Regular exercise and good nutrition are also recommended to help ease perimenopausal discomfort.
Fertility During Perimenopause
Fertility may decrease during the perimenopausal years, as women may not ovulate with every menstrual cycle. However, as long as a woman is still menstruating, it is possible for her to become pregnant. Women not wishing to become pregnant should use birth control. Women wanting to get pregnant during this time may have difficulty predicting when they ovulate due to the irregularity of their menstrual cycles and ovulation. Keeping track of one's basal body temperature can help with this, as can using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK).
Like menstruation and menopause, perimenopause is a natural phase of every woman's life. However, as with menopause, it can result in uncomfortable symptoms or more serious health concerns such as loss of bone density (which can lead to osteoporosis) and elevated cholesterol levels. Any woman who has any concerns regarding perimenopause should seek medical attention.
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Learn which pregnancy tests deliver the earliest, most accurate results in Best Early Pregnancy Tests: Are You Pregnant?
Sources:
WebMd, "Menopause and Perimenopause - Overview," (accessed January 26, 2010)
MayoClinic.com, "Perimenopause," (accessed January 26, 2010)
women'shealth.gov, "Perimenopause," (accessed January 26, 2010)
MedicineNet.com, "Alternative Treatments for Hot Flashes of Menopause," (accessed January 26, 2010)
Kim Downey - Kim Downey graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2005. She is now a part time freelance and creative writer and a full time ...
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