Perimenopause is a transitory phase in a woman’s life. It is the phase just before menopause where your ovaries stop functioning and the menstrual cycle comes to a standstill. This period may be different for each woman and she may experience varying symptoms. Usually one may not need any treatments but if the symptoms are unmanageable and affecting the quality of life then it can be alleviated with the right course of treatment like antidepressants, hormones, or lifestyle changes.
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause is a phase where you are slowly transitioning into menopause. Many hormonal changes are happening and your body is reaching the end of the reproductive stage.This particular stage usually begins around mid-30s and can last up to your 40s.
This time marks the gradual decline of your fertility. Your body is going through significant hormonal changes and may experience physical or mental troubles.
Signs perimenopause is ending
The most significant change would be the infrequent periods. You will see that periods become further apart in months and some may experience no periods at all for months on an end. Some other physiological signs are an increase in the hot flash, and a decrease in the fatigue and headaches experienced. As women approach menopause all the tiredness and headaches tend to slow down. Some women may experience perimenopausal depression and mood swings. With the onset of menopause, these symptoms tend to alleviate and people may gain a much more stable mindset.
The last period may look very different for people. Some may experience intense bleeding and some will have very lighter ones compared to what women used to experience earlier in their lives. Keep in mind that everybody is different so the symptoms can also widely vary. The common changes are a complete stop on your menses, decreased fatigue and headaches, more stable mental health, and increased hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
How long does perimenopause last?
Perimenopause may last for a few months to even 10 years. There is no fixed time when a woman goes through these phases. However, an average woman experiences perimenopausal symptoms for 4 years. This phase usually starts for women in their mid-40s, but some may experience them even in their late 30s. Some women also go through perimenopause in their early 50s.
Stages of menopause
Your body is in its reproductive stage at the onset of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle begins as the body goes through puberty. This usually happens within 10 to 16 years of age. Thus begins the normal menstrual cycle that lasts for 28 to 35 days.
Slowly as one enters their late 30s or early 40s the body undergoes hormonal changes transitioning to the menopausal phase where your body is preparing to cease reproductive functions.
Progesterone and estrogens are in flux and it will be accompanied by some mental and physical symptoms like irregular menstrual cycle, weight gain, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep troubles, and hot flashes. The final phase is your menopausal stage marking the end of a woman’s reproductive stage.
This is the time after 12 months of not having your period. During this phase, one may experience weight gain, changes in skin and hair growth, etc. Some may experience perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, brain fog, etc. The stage after menopause is postmenopause.
Some people experience the symptoms alleviating whereas some women still experience some menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. The body starts to get weaker, bone health deteriorates, and the pelvic floor weakens.
When to see your healthcare provider?
Perimenopause can be a difficult time for some women with physical and mental symptoms aggravating for few. If you feel like you cannot cope with it or if it is greatly affecting the quality of your life then you must reach out to a healthcare provider.
If you observe that you are having very heavy bleeding when you are going through pads or tampons every hour, then that might be a sign to check in with your doctor. If your periods last much longer than your usual time then that can also be taken as a warning sign. Irregular spotting must also raise a concern as it may indicate other underlying health issues as well.
Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse might be due to vaginal dryness which can also be consulted with a doctor. People with a history of PCOS or PCOD may feel worsened symptoms of perimenopause so consulting with a medical advisor might be ideal in that situation.
Conclusion
Perimenopause signifies the transition to menopause where a woman reaches the end of their reproductive phase. This period might come with its own challenges due to the intense hormonal changes that your body goes through. Hence this phase might be a very difficult time for some people. So if you ever feel like you need help, do not be hesitant and reach out to a professional.
FAQs
The primary signs are infrequent periods. You may notice that you are missing out on your period over a few times. Besides the menstrual cycle, some women report experiencing changes in their night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings.
The time frame varies heavily from person to person. However, the average period is around 4 years. It can last around a few months to even 10 years.
Perimenopausal and menopausal experiences can be very different for each woman experiencing them. Some say their mental and physical symptoms have decreased whereas others say symptoms have gotten worse. So if you have any specific concern that is disrupting the quality of life then make sure to talk with a doctor and address your concerns.
After perimenopause the next phase is menopause.
One of the major symptoms of reaching perimenopause would be the infrequent period. And this happens due to the hormone shifts. So understanding your last period would be a bit unpredictable. Women may experience lighter or heavier periods and some just experience spotting.
Yes, some women experience spotting towards the end of perimenopause.
