Perimenopause -

I received a lot of interesting feedback on my menopause post (“Elephant...” Feb. 17, 2011) and many comments related to perimenopause.  Therefore, I’ve decided to dedicate this post to perimenopause

The prefix “peri” is of Greek origin and means “around” or “about” and when you combine it with the Greek "mens", which means monthly and "pausis", which means cessation (“Elephant...” Feb. 17, 2011), you have perimenopause, which means “around the monthly cessation”....ok, enough Greek, let’s get on with the other details.

Perimenopause is the phase before menopause actually takes place, when ovarian hormone production is declining and fluctuating.   My research has shown this phase can last anywhere from 5 – 15 years before menopause, while other research refer to perimenopause as that period which is a 3 to 4 year span just before menopause, the end of menses, occurs.

I’ve also discovered many women experience more symptoms during perimenopause than after menopause. Because this often happens at an age between 35 and 45, many women's symptoms are overlooked or ignored by their healthcare providers.

There are many signs and symptoms, both of a physical and a mental nature, related to perimenopause.  They may include:

·         Hot flashes and/or night sweats

·         Breast tenderness

·         Mood changes - depression, anxiety, irritability,

·         Trouble sleeping

·         Irregular periods – lighter or heavier flow, flooding, shorter or longer cycle

·         Vaginal dryness

·         Decreased libido

·         Urinary urgency and/or leakage when laughing or sneezing

·         Problems with memory and concentration

·         Fatigue

I’ve only mentioned some of what I personally feel are more common symptoms.  There are many other symptoms which could occur with perimenopause.

Often your doctor can make the diagnosis of perimenopause based on your symptoms. Blood tests to check hormone levels may also be beneficial but may be difficult to evaluate due to erratic fluctuations of hormones during this period.

Talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms and goals of treatment. This will help him or her in developing the plan that is right for you.

I referenced the following sites for the information contained in this post –

http://www.project-aware.org/Experience/perimenopause.shtml

http://womenshealth.about.com/od/menopaus1/a/perimenopausesy.htm

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11876

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/guide-perimenopause

Disclaimer - 
The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.

Monica