What Is Perimenopause?
The symptoms of perimenopause can begin ten or fifteen years before menopause begins. There are many symptoms that you could experience during this time. Perimenopause usually begins after the age of 50. Some common symptoms include:
Shorter or longer periods each month. Some women may also miss a few periods. Since menopause signifies the end of menstrual periods, if you miss a few and then have your period again, chances are, you are experiencing perimenopause.
Less sex drive. You may experience less of a need to be sexually active. This is due to hormone changes or when sexual intercourse becomes painful. If there is pain, you can use a lubricant to help decrease this pain.
Mood swings. This can occur at any time during one's life, but during perimenopause, you may experience mood swings more often.
Forgetfulness. This can occur as the body begins to produce less estrogen. Taking vitamin B and other vitamins to counteract the loss of estrogen may help.
These are just a few of the many symptoms you may have during perimenopause. Some women do not have many symptoms at all, while others may exhibit all of them. This seems to be genetic. If your mother had symptoms, chances are you will also. Exercise and diet are ways to help you adjust to life changes. Keep living a healthy, active life and these symptoms will not seem so bad. Ask a doctor for advice about vitamin supplements and other advice concerning perimenopause.
