Perimenopausal

Perimenopause, also known as menopause transition, refers to the time during which a woman's body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. Perimenopause is also sometimes referred to as the menopausal transition.

Signs and Symptoms

Women in perimenopause often experience a mix of menstrual irregularity, hot flashes, sleep disturbance, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and decreased fertility. The level of estrogen — the main female hormone — rises and falls unevenly during perimenopause. Menstrual cycles may lengthen or shorten, and women may begin to skip periods.

Causes

Perimenopause is a natural biological process. It's the time leading up to menopause when the ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen. It usually starts in a woman's 40s, but can start in the 30s as well.

Diagnosis

Doctors often diagnose perimenopause based on symptoms. A blood test to check hormone levels may also help, but your hormone levels are changing during perimenopause. It may be more helpful to have several blood tests done at different times for comparison.

Treatment

Treatments for perimenopause symptoms include hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen therapy, low-dose antidepressants, and medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

See Also

• Menopause
• Estrogen
• Hormone therapy

Perimenopausal Resources
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