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What is perimenopause?
How long does perimenopause last?
I've been depressed in the past. Will this affect when I start going through
perimenopause?
What should I expect as I go through perimenopause?
I don't understand why I get hot flashes. Could you tell me what's going on
with my body?
I am feeling so emotional lately. Is this from the changes in my hormones?
What can I do to prevent or relieve symptoms of perimenopause?
I'm going through perimenopause right now. My period is very heavy, and I'm
bleeding after sex. Is this normal?
Can I get pregnant while in perimenopause?
See also:
It is the time leading up to menopause (when you have not had your period for twelve months). During perimenopause, your body starts making less of certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and you begin to lose the ability to become pregnant.
It varies. Women normally go through menopause between ages 45 and 55. Many women experience menopause around age 51. However, perimenopause can start as early as age 35. It can last just a few months or a few years. There is no way to tell in advance how long it will last OR how long it will take you to go through it.
It could. Researchers are studying how depression in a woman's life affects the time she starts perimenopause. Some studies have found that women with a history of depression started perimenopause earlier than women without depression. Women who took antidepressants started perimenopause even earlier. If you start perimenopause early, researchers don't know if you reach menopause faster than other women or if you're just in perimenopause longer.
Some women have symptoms during this time that can be difficult. These symptoms include:
We don't know exactly what causes hot flashes. It could be a drop in estrogen or change in another hormone. This affects the part of your brain that regulates your body temperature. During a hot flash, you feel a sudden rush of heat move from your chest to your head. Your skin may turn red, and you may sweat. Hot flashes are sometimes brought on by things like hot weather, eating hot or spicy foods, or drinking alcohol or caffeine. Try to avoid these things if you find they trigger the hot flashes.
Your mood changes could be caused by a lot of factors. Some researchers believe that the decrease in estrogen triggers changes in your brain causing depression. Others think that if you're depressed, irritable, and anxious, it's influenced by other symptoms you're having, such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue-not hormonal changes. Or, it could be a combination of hormone changes and symptoms. Other things that could cause depression and/or anxiety include:
Keep a journal for a few months and write down your symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. That can help you figure out the changes you're going through.
Record your menstrual cycle, noting whether you have a heavy, normal, or light period.
Find a physical activity that you'll enjoy doing.
If you smoke, try to quit. Visit A Breath of Fresh Air! for help.
Keep your body mass index (BMI) at a normal level. Figure out your BMI by going to www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.
Talk to your friends who are in perimenopause or menopause. Most likely, they're going through the same things you are!
Do something new - volunteer or take a class.
Use a vaginal lubricant for dryness and pain during sex.
Dress in layers.
Try to figure out if certain triggers cause hot flashes, like spicy foods or being outside in the heat. Avoid these things.
Talk with your health care provider if you feel depressed or have any other questions about how to relieve your symptoms.
Irregular periods are common and normal during perimenopause, but not all changes in bleeding are from perimenopause or menopause. Other things can cause abnormal bleeding. Talk to your health care provider if:
Yes. If you're still having periods, you can get pregnant. Talk to your health care provider about your options for birth control. Keep in mind that methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms will not protect you from STDs or HIV. If you use one of these methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or dental dam (used for oral sex) correctly every time you have sexual contact. Be aware that condoms don't provide complete protection against STDs and HIV-the only sure protection is abstinence (not having sex of any kind). But appropriate and consistent use of latex condoms and other barrier methods can help protect you from STDs.
You can find out more about perimenopause by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center at 800-994-WOMAN (9662) or contact the following organizations:
Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality
Internet Address: www.ahrq.gov
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Internet Address: www.nccam.nih.gov
Publication: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/alerts/menopause/
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Office on Women's Health
Internet Address: www.fda.gov/womens/menopause
National Cancer Institute
Phone: (800) 332-8615
Internet Address: http://cis.nci.nih.gov/
National Institute on Aging
Phone: (800) 222-2225, (800) 222-4225 (TTY)
Internet Address: http://www.nih.gov/nia/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Phone: (800) 762-2264
Internet Address: http://www.acog.org/
Melpomene Institute
Phone: (651) 642-1951
Internet Address: http://www.melpomene.org/
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Phone: (202) 223-2226
Internet Address: http://www.nof.org/
North American Menopause Society
Phone: (440) 442-7550
Internet Address: http://www.menopause.org/
The Hormone Foundation
Phone: (800) 467-6663
Internet Address: http://www.hormone.org/
August 2003
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