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Perimenopause is the stage prior to menopause. During this transitional period, your body starts to undergo some major changes hormonally. These changes can impact both your physical and emotional wellbeing. This stage can begin as early as your mid-30s or as late as your mid-50s. The time that this stage lasts varies for each person as it can be only a short time or as long as several years. Perimenopause typically includes the early signs of menopause and has a variety of warning signs to help you prepare for this next stage.
The hormonal changes experienced during this premenopausal stage is attributed to declining estrogen levels. According to The Cleveland Clinic, “Your ovaries make estrogen, which plays a vital role in maintaining your reproductive system. As estrogen decreases, it throws off the balance with progesterone, another hormone your ovaries produce. It’s common for hormone levels to fluctuate during perimenopause.”
Irregular Menstruation
Due to these extreme changes in hormones, irregular menstruation is pretty much the standard and earliest sign of menopause beginning. Irregular menstruation is considered very standard during this period of time. See a doctor if you notice extreme bleeding or are changing sanitary products more than every couple of hours. And, if you are concerned by how long this stage is lasting, your doctor can test your hormone levels to determine which stage of the menopausal process you are currently in.
Changes in Mood
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you may experience irritability, have low energy, feel tearful and moody, or have a hard time concentrating during the early stages of menopause. “Unlike PMS, these symptoms may come at times unrelated to your menstrual cycle. Symptoms may occur for years with no pattern. This type of mood change is known as perimenopausal mood instability.”
Mental Health
One of the early signs of menopause is mental health concerns. It is possible during the early stages to become preoccupied with aging or bodily shifts. This paired with hormonal fluctuations can result in developing feelings of depression or anxiety. If the symptoms do not go away within a fairly short amount of time, menopause related mental health interventions may be necessary for:
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
Low Libido
Low libido is a decrease in sexual desire. Though sex drive varies from person to person, you may notice a significant dip in your libido once perimenopause begins. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports, “more than a third of women in perimenopause or menopause report having sexual difficulties, from lack of interest in sex to trouble having an orgasm. The main culprit is declining levels of estrogen, which can reduce a person's desire to have sex and make sexual arousal more difficult.”
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause and often an early sign of menopause. This can feel like “a sudden flare of heat, paired with sweating and flushed skin,” according to The Cleveland Clinic. Treatment options can include prescription medications, non-hormonal therapies and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Insomnia or Sleep Issues
Hormonal changes and stress are often the causes of insomnia or sleep issues during the onset of menopause. Struggling to sleep can lead to a variety of mental and physical issues. It is important that if you notice your sleep becoming irregular, that you seek help immediately.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that many people experience during menopause. This symptom can be caused by a decrease in hormone levels or certain medications.
There isn’t any treatment to stop perimenopause. Perimenopause is a natural part of life. It ends when your periods stop entirely, and you reach menopause. But there are many ways to cope with and treat the symptoms and early signs of menopause. With the right combination, you can navigate your way through this life transition with ease and comfort. Want to discuss this more? Join our Women’s Health and Pregnancy discussion group for more information and to connect with others like you.
