What are the signs of perimenopause?

When do signs of perimenopause start?

Perimenopause is the stage preceding menopause, which doctors at the Cleveland Clinic confirm begins 8 to 10 years before menstruation stops completely. This means that some women can start this transition while they are still in their late 30s or 40s. It may begin at an early stage if the woman smokes, has cancer, or has had her uterus or ovaries removed, or there is a family history of early menopause.

Many women miscalculate this stage by claiming that their mother’s menstrual cycle stopped when she was fifty-five years old, and she consults her gynecologist and does not find any physical problem in the uterus or ovaries. She lives in a state of denial that she has begun the transitional stage known as perimenopause.

This transitional phase begins with the gradual decline in estrogen levels, which we discussed in detail in this article. Estrogen levels continue to decline until they become so low that eggs stop being released, and menstruation stops occurring.

Signs of perimenopause

These are common signs among women in their late thirties to late forties or early fifties. Perimenopause is often not diagnosed. Many doctors prefer to give a final diagnosis that the woman is at the age of menopause after her period has completely stopped for twelve consecutive months. While many women complain of many disturbing symptoms, most notably:

• Hot flashes.
• Menstrual irregularities.
• Increasing severity of menstrual pain.
• Night sweats.
• Constant feeling of fatigue and exhaustion.
• Decreased sex drive.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Urinary incontinence.
• The need to urinate frequently.
• Mood swings.
• Sleep disorders, insomnia.
• Weak short-term memory.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Anxiety disorder.
• Depression.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight, especially in the abdominal area.
• Joint pain.
• Hair loss.
• Dry skin.
• Dry eyes.

Treatment

If you experience a combination of the symptoms mentioned above, see a gynecologist specializing in menopause and request a medical evaluation and comprehensive tests. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe one of the following treatments:

• Birth control pills to regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Hormone replacement therapies to compensate for estrogen and progesterone deficiency.
• Bioidentical hormone treatments are discussed in detail in this article.
• Ointments to treat vaginal dryness.

She will also advise you to follow these steps to change your lifestyle and change your diet:

• Stop smoking of all kinds.
• Reduce amounts of caffeine.
• Exercising regularly, especially resistance exercises, increases muscle mass and improves fat-burning levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce sugar consumption.
• Follow a healthy diet free of processed foods and harmful fats. It should contain sufficient protein, vegetables, and healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts.
• Avoid staying up late and sleep enough hours during the night.
• Commit to practices that reduce stress and anxiety, such as yoga, meditation, and journaling.
• Take supplements doctors recommend, such as magnesium, omega-3, ashwagandha, and other health supplements.
• Light exercises, such as walking and swimming, should be done to reduce joint pain and control stress levels.
• Talk to friends and join a supportive group of women going through the same stage.
• Do not neglect self-care, visit the beauty salon constantly, wear beautiful clothes, wear perfume, and use makeup, and do not give in to the signs of aging.

Conclusion

Menopause is not sudden; it doesn't just affect your reproductive system. There is a consensus among menopause experts that it is a neuroendocrine condition that affects several systems in the body, so do not worry, you are not losing your mind. Instead, your body is going through a sensitive transitional phase that may last for years, so pay attention to your health and talk to your doctor if anything worries you.