Perimenopause
How long does perimenopause last?
It varies. Women normally go through menopause between ages 45 and 55. Many women experience menopause around age 51. However, perimenopause can start as early as age 35. It can last just a few months or a few years. There is no way to tell in advance how long it will take you to go through it.
Symptoms of perimenopause
Some women have symptoms during this time that can be difficult. These symptoms can include:
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Changes in your menstrual cycle (longer or shorter periods, heavier or lighter periods, or missed periods) |
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Hot flashes (sudden rush of heat from your chest to your head) |
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Night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep) |
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Vaginal dryness |
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Sleep problems |
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Mood changes (mood swings, depression, irritability) |
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Pain during sex |
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More urinary infections |
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Urinary incontinence |
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Less interest in sex |
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Increase in body fat around your waist |
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Problems with concentration and memory |
What are hot flashes?
We don't know exactly what causes hot flashes. It could be a drop in estrogen or change in another hormone. This affects the part of your brain that regulates your body temperature. During a hot flash, you feel a sudden rush of heat move from your chest to your head. Your skin may turn red, and you may sweat. Hot flashes are sometimes brought on by things like hot weather, eating hot or spicy foods, or drinking alcohol or caffeine. Try to avoid these things if you find they trigger hot flashes.
Relieving the symptoms of perimenopause
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Keep a journal for a few months and write down your symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes. That can help you figure out the changes you're experiencing. |
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Record your menstrual cycle, noting whether you have a heavy, normal or light period. |
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Find a physical activity you enjoy doing. |
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If you smoke, try to quit. RMH offers a number of smoking cissation programs. For more information, call RMH HealthSource at 433-4580. |
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Keep your body mass index (BMI) at a normal level. Calculate your BMI by visiting RMHOnline.com BMI calculator. |
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Talk to your friends who are in perimenopause or menopause. Most likely, they're going through the same things you are! |
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Do something new—volunteer or take a class. |
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Use a vaginal lubricant for dryness and pain during sex. |
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Dress in layers. |
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Try to figure out if certain triggers cause hot flashes, like spicy foods or being outside in the heat. Avoid these things. |
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Talk with your healthcare provider if you feel depressed or have any other questions about how to relieve your symptoms. |
Pregnancy during perimenopause
If you're still having periods, you can get pregnant while in perimenopause. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for birth control. More information>>
The source for the above information on perimenopause was the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, www.4women.gov/faq/perimenopause.htm
You can find out more about perimenopause by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center at 800-994-WOMAN (9662).
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