You have likely heard of menopause, which commonly affects women in their 50s and causes their ovaries to shut down. Yet, you might be less familiar with perimenopause, which can affect women in the 40s, 30s, or earlier.
Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs of perimenopause and the treatment options available.
What are the Perimenopause Symptoms?
Perimenopause often affects women in their 40s, but a person can experience changes in their 30s and 20s. A disruption to a woman’s menstrual cycle is often the first sign, such as their period starting later or earlier than normal. For instance, if your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, it may start every 21- or 35-days during perimenopause. In some cases, women can skip a period and then experience a much heavier period during their next cycle.
Due to estrogen fluctuations, women might experience shorter or longer periods, as well as menopausal symptoms, such as:
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Irregular periods
- A low sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Breast tenderness
- An urge to urinate
- Mood swings
- Sleep difficulties
- Dry skin and hair
Perimenopause is a normal aspect of aging, but other factors can speed up the process, such as cancer treatment, ovary surgery, or some medications.
How is Perimenopause Diagnosed?
Book an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms, which can help them determine if you are perimenopausal. A practitioner may order a blood test to review your hormone levels and to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
How Will Perimenopause Affect Pregnancy?
Perimenopausal women can still get pregnant until they reach menopause, which is when they haven’t had a period for 12 months. Once women reach their 30s and 40s, they may struggle to get pregnant due to a natural drop in fertility. If you are eager to start a family and are perimenopausal, you can turn to the best fertility clinic London has to increase your chances of conceiving. There are treatment options available to help women of various ages start a family.
How Long Will Perimenopause Last?
The perimenopause time length typically lasts up to four years; however, some women may only have it for a few months before entering menopause.
How Can I Reduce Perimenopausal Symptoms?
If you are struggling with one or more perimenopausal symptoms, you can improve your quality of life with:
- Vaginal estrogen treatments
- Hormone therapy
- Antidepressants
- Regular exercise
- Meditation
- Yoga
Also, a doctor may recommend losing weight if you have a high body mass index (BMI). Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to identify an effective treatment option, which could restore your quality of life.
Conclusion
Perimenopause can reportedly affect 1% of women before they reach the age of 40, and one in 1000 will experience menopause before they are 30 years old. To protect your fertility and combat the symptoms, you must bear in mind the above perimenopause signs and treatment options. If in doubt, book an appointment with your doctor to discuss your potential symptoms and receive a blood test, which could give you answers.
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