Perimenopause – 5 signs that menopause is approaching
Perimenopause – have you ever heard that word? If you are in your late thirties or early forties, you will soon enter a new phase of life, as menopause, i.e. the years of menopause, is approaching. Perimenopause introduces this new phase in your life, you can experience some changes both mentally and physically, we are writing about them now so that they do not catch you unawares.
Perimenopause – does such a thing exist?
Indeed, as the reproductive years are approaching, the female body already announces with subtle signals that a new era is coming. The level of estrogen, the conductor of fertility, fluctuates during your cycle, your ovulation may even be missed, and you notice that the days of your bleeding are getting shorter, the length of the cycle itself is more or less days.
Classic menopausal characteristics may also appear, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and a decrease in vaginal moisture, but these are not yet decisive in everyday life.
In general, after 12 months without menstruation, a new era of your life, menopause, has arrived.
Perimenopause – what is changing?
The most striking is the change in the cycle: the time between the two cycles can become shorter and longer, if you notice a difference of seven days between the usual cycle lengths, there is a good chance that you have entered perimenopause, and if your period came more than sixty days ago, we can talk about menopause.
Sleep problems and hot flashes often go hand in hand, and their intensity is completely different for everyone.
During perimenopause, depression and mood swings are also typical, often resulting from sleep disorders, surprising, but not necessarily the consequences of hormonal changes. Therapy, yoga, self-knowledge, anything that helps you switch off can be beneficial to make this transitional phase of your life easier.
The elasticity of the vagina also changes, sex life can become painful, which is also a consequence of perimenopause, and can be explained by reduced estrogen levels. With patience, attention, hormone replacement and a good lubricant, you can optimize the situation.
Perimenopause can also bring a decrease in sexual desire, but this is not a rule, especially if you were in harmony with your partner before.
You may have a higher chance of developing osteoporosis with the onset of perimenopause, but it is a controllable process in cooperation with a specialist, don’t be scared, a few lifestyle changes can help a lot.
Your cholesterol levels can also change during perimenopause, causing an increase in bad cholesterol, a decrease in good cholesterol, and an increased chance of cardiovascular disease.
Do I need to see a doctor?
Perimenopause goes almost unnoticed by many women, or the changes are not so pronounced that they ask for help, while others need support in the changed life situation – either way, there is no shame in asking for help, today there are many procedures, preparations and professionals working to ensure that women receive proper care in their different stages of life.