Pre menopause, or perimenopause as it is typically known, is simply the years before menopause when you may be exhibiting symptoms but have not actually reached  menopause. 

This timeframe varies from woman to woman. It can be a very short time or can last over 10 years.  Menopause typically happens when a woman is in her late 40’s or early 50’s, so the pre-menopausal period could start as early as your 30’s.  Bear in mind, however, that this timeframe is just general and every woman is different. Some people start menopause very early, such as their early 40’s, while others do not start until they are in their 60s.

Symptoms during pre-menopause can be frustrating and can really affect your life.  Hot flashes are a typical symptom. They can last for years and can happen during the day.Or you may only have them at night causing a disruption of your sleep pattern.

Perimenopausal women may also experience mood swings, anxiety, headaches, irregular periods, dry skin, vaginal dryness, incontinence and even hair loss.  These symptoms are a direct result of the decline in production of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.  Many doctors previously tried to alleviate the symptoms with hormone replacement therapy. In recent years, this has been under a lot of debate. Recent studies have shown that HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer, strokes, and heart disease.

If you are approaching pre-menopause, here are some of the symptoms you might be in for:

1. Irregular periods. Your periods might be heavier or they might be lighter. They could be longer or shorter. You might not have one for several months and then they will return and you will bleed heavily for the next several months.  You may find spotting in between periods.

2. Mood swings and anxiety. You could be happy one minute and depressed the next. You might experience undue anxiety and irritability when you never have before.

3. Sleeplessness. Many women complain about sleep problems during pre menopause.  A lot of this can be attributed to night sweats which will wake you up in the middle of the night and make you feel like you’ve just eaten a bowl of hot peppers.  Some people complain about having trouble getting to sleep. Others say that they get to sleep fine but wake up easily during the night and can’t get back to sleep.

4. Urinary problems. During pre menopause, many women experience an increase in urinary infections and also higher incidence of urinary incontinence.

5. Weight gain. People normally gain weight as they get older and slowdown. But women that are pre menopausal have the additional burden of the decrease in hormones which can affect their metabolism.  In addition these hormones determine where fat is distributed. Many women will find during this time that they gain weight around the belly area.

If all this has you dreading your pre menopause years, don’t worry. There are many herbal treatments that can greatly reduce your symptoms. Plus some very simple lifestyle changes will also help. Your symptoms won’t last forever, even if it sometimes feels that way. It can help a great deal just to expect them, then take positive action during your pre-menopausal years.

Tags: menopause, hot flashes, perimenopause, pre menopause