What Is Perimenopause?

Answer:
Perimenopause is the interval when your body begins its transition into menopause.

This period covers the years which lead up to menopause.

This period of time can encompass anywhere from two to eight years, plus the year after your final period (menstrual cycle). This is a natural part of aging that signals the end of your reproductive years. Estrogen levels will rise and fall unevenly during perimenopause. Menstrual cycles will also vary during this time, and they may lengthen or shorten, and you may have menstrual cycles in which no ovulation occurs. You can only become pregnant when you do ovulate. Some women will start to notice these changes in their 30s, although most women will start to feel the effects in their 40s.

The body is going through changes during this time, and some of the symptoms that you may experience are the following: menstrual irregularity, hot flashes and sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal and bladder problems, decreasing fertility, changes in sexual function, loss of bone, and changing cholesterol levels.

Many women can tolerate the symptoms of this change of life, although some women may need to seek medical attention if the symptoms are too severe or if they have problems dealing with the condition.