Perimenopause is the transitional phase that indicates the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
This phase paves the way towards Menopause and can produce several physical and mental symptoms.
These symptoms are often intense due to the constant hormonal fluctuations.
It is important to learn about its symptoms in order to manage this phase appropriately.
This article will discuss the duration, symptoms, and everything there is to know about Perimenopause.
When does Perimenopause Start
Since Perimenopause is a natural occurrence among women, it is common to ask, “When does Perimenopause start?”
The phase of Perimenopause usually starts between the age of 40 and early 50s.
Perimenopause is the first stage of Menopause, and several factors can influence its onset.
These factors include genetics, lifestyle choices, stress levels, and underlying medical problems.
- Arkamin 100 Mcg(Clonidine Hcl)
- Progynova 2 Mg (Estradiol)
A person will need to know when this phase starts so that they can get medical help when needed.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
Source: rattankunThere are several common Perimenopause symptoms that women may face in their lifetime.
These include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, libido fluctuations, and sleep disruptions.
Besides these symptoms, some may also experience Perimenopause weight gain around the belly, which happens due to low Estrogen.
According to research, when Estrogen levels drop in women, fat accumulation starts around a woman’s abdomen.
Additionally, Perimenopause periods are usually irregular, leading to heavy flow or bleeding.
While some women may miss their periods during this phase, others can experience periods during Perimenopause in the form of spotting.
This period can also affect the mental health of women, leading to mood swings and irritability.
Some of the other symptoms of Perimenopause include thinning hair, sore nipples, and acne.
Signs Perimenopause is Ending
Perimenopause ends when a person goes one year completely without periods, leading to Menopause.
Thus, stopping periods completely is one of the major signs that Perimenopause is ending.
Constant fluctuations in hormonal levels stop at the end of this phase.
Estrogen levels become low and stable, which lessens the intensity of the symptoms like hot flashes and headaches.
Women will also notice an increase in their Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels towards the end of this phase.
FSH is responsible for preparing the eggs for one’s ovulation.
Are you curious to learn more about the FSH levels after Perimenopause? Read Understanding FSH Levels at Menopause: A Comprehensive Guide.
Can You Get Pregnant During Perimenopause
Yes, you can get pregnant naturally during Perimenopause.
Since the ovaries reduce the production of sex hormones during Perimenopause, it is natural to worry about pregnancy.
Although women experience irregular periods during this phase, they still ovulate.
As long as a woman is ovulating, natural pregnancy during Perimenopause is possible.
However, it also has several risks, and one should always try to conceive under proper medical care during this time.
With the end of Perimenopause and the start of Menopause, the chances of a natural pregnancy become close to null.
To learn more on this topic, read Can You Get Pregnant During Menopause? Unveiling the Facts.
Perimenopause Test
Source: AFRICA_IMAGESIndividuals should go through the proper Perimenopause tests to manage the symptoms properly.
This is necessary because some women may experience irregular periods or weight gain due to other conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Doctors may suggest blood tests like the Everlywell Perimenopause Test or urine tests like the Reveal Menopause Test.
These diagnosis methods can help check one’s FSH and Estrogen levels.
Through these tests, doctors can find out if a person is undergoing the transition to Menopause or if it is a serious medical condition.
Do you want to learn more about weight gain from PCOS? read PCOS Weight Gain: Can PCOS Increase Your Weight?
Perimenopause Treatment
Perimenopause treatment for every person depends on the type of symptoms they experience.
While some may prefer using herbs and supplements for the treatment, others may want faster results.
In these cases, they can choose to use Hormonal Therapy and medications as a form of treatment.
This section will discuss the above-mentioned treatments for Perimenopause in detail.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbs like Black Cohosh and Evening Primrose reduce hot flashes in Perimenopausal women.
Dong Quai and Ginkgo Biloba act like Estrogen and can improve hormonal fluctuations.
This can improve the symptoms of hot flashes, weight gain, and low libido in women during this phase.
Additionally, these Perimenopause supplements also improve hormonal imbalance and treat its symptoms.
Since bone health gets bad due to low Estrogen during this time, women may choose certain minerals and vitamins for Perimenopause.
These include magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D and B Complexes supplements.
Lifestyle Changes
Women should exclude spicy foods from their diet to reduce the intensity of hot flashes.
Since hormonal imbalances are common during Perimenopause, aerobic exercise can benefit women.
Some people can also see positive effects from performing yoga regularly.
Maintaining a proper diet is beneficial even after Menopause. For more insights, read A Comprehensive Guide to the Menopause Diet.
Hormonal Therapy and Medications
In order to get faster results, doctors often suggest Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) to improve their hormonal balance.
However, women who experience severe hot flashes during Perimenopause often opt for medications.
Using medications in these cases often provides them with faster and more effective relief from the symptoms.
They may gain benefits from medicines like Effexor (Venlafaxine), Prozac (Fluoxetine), and Paxil (Paroxetine).
Women who are experiencing vaginal dryness can find relief with Estradiol medications.
Conclusion
Women usually experience Perimenopause around their 40s or late 50s, which often causes severe hormonal fluctuations.
These fluctuations result in different symptoms, like hot flashes, headaches, acne, and vaginal dryness.
Additionally, others may experience mood swings, heavy or irregular periods, and irritability.
While some individuals can get positive results from herbs like Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, and Ginkgo Biloba, others may find mineral and vitamin supplements more effective.
Doctors also suggest lifestyle changes, Hormonal Therapy, and medications as other forms of Perimenopause treatments.
It is always best to consult your doctor to get the best treatment option for Perimenopause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the topic of ‘Perimenopause vs Menopause’ popular?
The topic of “Perimenopause vs Menopause” is popular since people often confuse these phases with each other.
While Perimenopause is the transitional phase where the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs, the production of eggs completely stops during Menopause.
What are the first signs of Perimenopause?
The first signs of Perimenopause usually include irregular menstrual cycles, changes in flow, and fluctuations in hormonal levels.
Women may experience intense hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and sleep disturbances intensely due to the constant hormonal changes.
Can Perimenopause be treated?
Yes, Perimenopause can be treated with the management of its symptoms. Individuals can use herbs, supplements, and lifestyle changes to improve their symptoms.
Additionally, improving hormonal balance with medications can also effectively treat its symptoms. However, there is no permanent treatment for this phase.
How are Perimenopause and Fibroids connected?
Perimenopause and Fibroids (non-cancerous growth of the uterus) are often connected to each other. During Perimenopause, women often face hormonal fluctuations, causing sudden high Estrogen levels.
This can result in the further growth of Fibroids. It can cause more pain, heavier bleeding, or discomfort in the uterus.
How common is heavy bleeding in Perimenopause?
Heavy bleeding is very common during Perimenopause, affecting about 25% of women.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly decreased Progesterone levels and irregular ovulation, can result in heavy bleeding. In some cases, women can also miss their periods altogether.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
