Pre-Menopause or peri-menopause refers to the onset of nature’s process when a woman’s body transitions from being child-bearing to becoming infertile. The age when women begin this journey varies. Some welcome the change with open arms and others dread the process. Peri-menopause generally starts anytime between the middle 40s to the late 50s. But, some women may experience changes in their 30s. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels become erratic and production starts declining. The hormone changes produce many common symptoms.
Common Biological Changes
Along with unpredictable ovulation, periods become irregular. The length of time between one menstrual cycle and the next may shorten or become longer. The flow might also change by becoming lighter or heavier. When two or more months pass before having the next period, peri-menopause is generally considered to be in the later stage.
Hot flashes are another frequent problem. The sensation might be compared to an internal volcano. At various times throughout the day and without warning, a warm feeling seems to rise from within and increases in intensity before an eruption of excessive sweating occurs. Though uncomfortable, unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing, the entire event generally lasts but a few minutes. Some women experience the symptom intermittently while sleeping. Night sweats commonly interrupt sleep. Peri-menopausal hormone shifts may also contribute to insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns without nighttime hot flashes.
Many women complain of suffering from mood swings during this time. The symptom might be attributed to hormone fluctuations or from a lack of restful sleep. Nevertheless, frequent changes in mood might also be related to other undiagnosed medical problems that include a malfunctioning thyroid gland.
For some, arousal and desire levels may change. When sex no longer seems appealing, the problem may be due to plummeting estrogen levels, which also cause a lack of vaginal lubrication and elasticity. Intercourse then becomes uncomfortable or downright painful. Women might view this time as freeing and feel sexually liberated when not having to fear pregnancy. However, as long as periods continue, the likelihood of becoming pregnant still exists. Hence, the term “change of life baby” comes to mind.
The chances of getting pregnant are nil once a women goes at least 12 months without a period. This phase represents the end of peri-menopause and the beginning of full-fledged menopause.
Other symptoms are less visible. According to Steven R. Goldstein MD, “With a decline in hormones, women lose bone mass faster, which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. Health care providers often recommend supplemental calcium and magnesium, which encourage the continued production of bone cells and keep existing cells strong.”
Additional metabolic changes include an increase of low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol. Conversely, high-density lipoproteins, which are considered the good cholesterol decline. This effect raises a woman’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Contributing Factors
Researchers suggest that certain circumstances may trigger the early onset of peri-menopause.
* Studies suggest that women who smoke may begin peri-menopause one or two years earlier compared to non-smoking females.
* The time in which peri-menopause starts often has genetic ties.
* Undergoing cancer treatment commonly initiates the early onset of menopause.
* Removing the uterus while keeping the ovaries may start menopause earlier than usual. Similarly, having one ovary removed may cause the remaining ovary to stop functioning sooner than normal.
If symptoms interfere with daily life or general well-being, consult with a health-care provider. Hormone replacement therapy often minimizes or corrects the troubling problems that can arise during menopause. While a natural part of life, women may become alarmed when first experiencing peri-menopausal symptoms. For some, symptoms are mild and hardly noticeable.
