PERIMENOPAUSE

 Basic information

description

Perimenopause is the normal time in a woman's life that leads up to menopause. It may last 1 to 10 years (average about 4 to 5 years) and includes the first year after your last period. Your body's hormone production starts to decrease and brings about changes (or symptoms). Symptoms will vary in each woman and may be mild to more severe. A woman can still become pregnant during perimenopause. In the United States, the average age of menopause is 51.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Hot flashes and night sweats.
• Tender breasts.
• Fatigue.
• Irregular periods. May have heavy bleeding.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Memory problems (fuzzy thinking) or forgetful.
• Mood swings, depressed, worried, or irritable.
• Hair loss or thinning. Skin dryness.
• Decreased libido (sex drive).
• Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex.
• Weight gain (e.g., around the waist).
• Urinary tract infections.

causes

• As a woman ages, hormone production begins to change. Ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone. Eggs may not be released during a period. Estrogen levels can sharply rise and then quickly drop. Menstrual periods become shorter and more and more irregular until they stop.
• A woman who has a hysterectomy, but keeps her ovaries will have perimenopause. If the ovaries are removed surgically, menopause occurs right away. Other medical treatments may also lead to menopause.

risk increases with

Perimenopause may start early for some women (e.g., smokers, having a family history of early menopause, childhood cancer therapy, and possibly, others).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

It is a natural part of the aging process for women.

expected outcomes

Most women will transition to menopause without any major problems. Uncomfortable symptoms can be relieved with treatment.

possible complications

• Menstrual bleeding that may be abnormal (extremely heavy, lasting longer than 8 days, or occurs between periods).
• Decreasing fertility if you are trying to get pregnant.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will ask questions about your medical and menstrual history and your symptoms and body changes. Perimenopause is often diagnosed based on your age and your symptoms. Blood tests may be done to check hormone levels and thyroid function. Hormones go up and down during perimenopause so they may be tested at different times for comparison.
• Treatment may not be needed for mild symptoms. Drugs may be prescribed for uncomfortable symptoms.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices to help with symptoms of perimenopause. These include eating healthy, daily exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and reducing stress. If you smoke, stop. Avoid heavy alcohol use. Lifestyle changes can promote good health as you age.
• To learn more: North American Menopause Society; (800) 774-5342; website: www.menopause.org.

medications

• Low-dose birth control pills may be prescribed for some women to help relieve symptoms.
• Other drugs may be prescribed for certain symptoms.
• Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be recommended.
• Talk to your health care provider before using herbal supplements for symptom relief.

activity

• Try to get 30 minutes a day (or most days) of aerobic exercise, such as walking. Start with a few minutes a day and increase gradually.
• Resistance exercise (weightlifting) will help build muscle and prevent bone loss as you get older.

diet

Control your weight with a healthy diet. A weight-loss diet may be recommended if overweight is a problem.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of perimenopause that cause concern.
• Symptoms worsen or don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: