Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which officially marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Perimenopause is also known as the menopausal transition.
The hallmark sign of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. You may start experiencing cycle irregularities several years before actual menopause starts. Common changes include:
Along with menstrual changes, perimenopause brings shifts in hormone levels that can spark symptoms like:
Perimenopausal symptoms are often subtle at first but tend to worsen over time as estrogen decline accelerates. Every woman experiences the transition differently - some sail through with minimal discomfort while others struggle with debilitating symptoms.
When does perimenopause start? There's no set age, but perimenopausal changes often begin in your 40s. The duration varies too. Some women breeze through a few months of irregular cycles and hot flashes. For others, the menopausal transition lasts years before the final period comes.
The process ends when you haven't had a period for 12 straight months. At that point, you've reached menopause.
What causes perimenopause? The ovaries are less responsive to the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that control the menstrual cycle. These fluctuations in LH, FSH, and estrogen levels drive the changes of perimenopause.
Managing perimenopause - Making healthy lifestyle choices can ease unpleasant symptoms. Key tips include:
The transition may seem daunting at first. But perimenopause is a normal phase of life for women. Knowing what to expect and taking good care of your body and mind can help you sail through it more smoothly.
If you have concerns about perimenopause or menopausal symptoms, consult with the professionals at Revive Wellness.