The average age for the onset of Perimenopausal is 37, though it is not uncommon for the changes to begin in the late 30s. Typically, Perimenopausal lasts 4 years, although this will vary from woman to woman. In rare instances, women move directly from Perimenopausal to menopause, bypassing the menstrual irregularity and hormone fluctuations that characterize Perimenopausal.
Overview of Perimenopausal Changes
As the ovarian production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decline, a variety of feelings and physical changes may occur—which indicate how important the reproductive and endocrine systems are to many bodily processes. These changes are often called symptoms, implying that Perimenopausal is a "disease." In fact, some medical experts have offered alternative names for menopause that do sound as if they were describing a disease, for example, adult onset ovarian failure. For the most part, however, the medical community and laypeople alike regard menopause and Perimenopausal as a natural physical progression. Agreeing that Perimenopausal changes are natural, however, does not diminish their importance or seriousness.
Signs of Perimenopausal
Some of the signs and symptoms that occur during Perimenopausal include:
- Reduced fertility
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness and irritation
- Urinary tract symptoms
- Reduced fertility
It's important to remember that fertility is determined not only by a woman's hormones and health, but by her partner as well. However, as a woman matures, fertility begins to decline. By her late 40s, infertility is generally the result of the age of the eggs. But even as fertility decreases, pregnancy may still occur.
Perimenopausal is not a time to grow lax or careless with birth control. At this stage in your life, pregnancy is a complicated health challenge and should be a conscious decision. Therefore, it may be a good idea to consider other options for birth control at this time.
Irregular periods
Most women will experience menstrual changes and irregularities during perimenopause. The ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone regulates the normal process of menstruation. Changes in hormone production can be felt as a variety of changes in the menstrual cycle. These include:
- Shorter menstrual cycle
- Heavier bleeding than usual
- Lighter bleeding than usual
- Light bleeding throughout the month
Hot flashes
Fluctuating estrogen levels can cause circulation changes in a woman's body, and these changes often manifest in hot flashes, which are among the most common symptoms of perimenopause. The severity of hot flashes can vary dramatically among women. For some, they are mild and easy to endure. For others, they can be strong enough to interfere with normal functioning.
Hot flashes often have triggers—warm rooms, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and more—and thus can often be controlled with simple lifestyle modifications. Soy Isoflavones & Black Cohosh are natural alternatives that will help control your symptoms.
Vaginal dryness and irritation
Many women report changes in the vagina during menopause: dryness, itching, and sexual discomfort. As with irregular periods, there are many causes of vaginal symptoms beyond the hormonal changes of perimenopause. Natural Progesterone Cream is particularly effective in relieving these types of symptoms.
Urinary tract symptoms
During perimenopause and in the years after menopause, women may experience a thinning of the lining of the urethra and a weakening of the pelvic muscles. For some women, this may result in urinary tract problems such as urinary incontinence (urine leakage). As many as 40% of women in the menopause years suffer from incontinence, but fewer than half seek help for the problem. Treatment for incontinence can be as simple as regular muscle exercises (such as Kegel's exercises) or, in more difficult cases, prescription medications.
When it comes to menopause, each woman's experience will be unique. The hormone changes that begin at perimenopause can manifest in an almost infinite variety of physical changes and feelings. In addition to the symptoms discussed above, many women report:
- Headaches
- Occasional sleeplessness
- Mood swings
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