OBGYN visits for early detection

What Is Perimenopause? And Related Questions

20 July 2015 by Dwight Frazier

Many women have never even heard of perimenopause, yet it is a natural part of a woman's cycle. The more you know about perimenopause, the better prepared you will be for the changes that your body will go through. 

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period in a woman's life that occurs just before menopause. Perimenopause is a transitional phase, when the body is preparing itself for the changes coming down the road. Perimenopause is caused by a decrease in the woman's estrogen levels. 

What are the symptoms?

Perimenopause symptoms are similar to menopause symptoms, but may be less obvious. Symptoms of perimenopause include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles. The length of time between menstrual periods may become harder to predict. Women going through perimenopause may skip their periods sometimes, and at other times may notice that the time between periods is longer than before. 
• Changes in mood. Some women become irritable or experience feelings of depression during perimenopause.
• Vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness occurs as the result of low estrogen levels. This vaginal dryness can cause sexual intercourse to become painful.
• Bone loss. An increase in bone loss during perimenopause can lead to osteoperosis, a condition that causes fragility of the bones. 
• Hot flashes. Similar to menopause, women going through perimenopause can experience sudden hot flashes.
• Changes in sleep patterns. Hot flashes and night sweats can create sleep disruptions that can exacerbate mood swings.

When do women experience perimenopause?

Women may start experiencing perimenopause as early as their mid 30's. Perimenopause ends and menopause begins when a woman has not had a period in over a year. 

Are all women affected by perimenopause?

All women go through perimenopause, but not all women experience noticeable symptoms or realize when perimenopause is happening to them. 

What are the treatments?

There are a variety of treatments for perimenopause, including:

• Hormone therapy. Also a menopause treatment, hormone therapy helps with hot flashes and bone loss. Hormone therapy is only meant to be a short-term solution. 
• Vaginal estrogen. This treatment can help prevent vaginal dryness.
• Low doses of birth control. This may be used as an alternative to hormone therapy. 

There are also a number of alternative treatments for perimenopause, including exercise, a healthy diet and getting enough rest. If you think you may be going through perimenopause, or if you wish to know information about treating your perimenopause, seek advise from your gynecologist. He or she will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend treatments. 

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