Peri Menopause – Early Menopause
People are mostly familiar with menopause as a naturally occurring phenomenon in women. But not everyone knows about the other stage of menopause, the peri menopause stage. Although there is not much of a difference, it is a transition stage in which a woman’s body gradually shifts from what it has known as normal to the actual menopause stage.
Peri menopause is that stage in which the body begins to feel the changes of going into menopause. The regular menstrual cycles that suddenly become irregular until it comes into a halt and the almost regular hot feelings – these are under the umbrella of peri menopause.
Characteristic Symptoms
1. Irregular menstrual periods. A woman with regular periods would certainly notice this peri menopause sign. Periods become erratic – sometimes longer, at times shorter. At first, cycles are surprisingly longer than the usual seven days and then it gradually lessens and becomes irregular. There would be times wherein there is a two to three month interval before the next period ensues. One year without menstruation is already a signal that menopause is indeed about to start.
2. Hot flashes. This is a very common manifestation of both the peri menopause and actual menopause stages. There is a sudden increase in body temperature, which is not a sign of fever or flu. The intensity varies between individuals, as well as the frequency and duration.
3. Sleep problems. This is most often due to the night sweats or the flashes because these symptoms are rather uncomfortable and disturbing. However, sleep may be simply disrupted without the hot flashes because of the bodily changes occurring.
4. Osteoporosis. Perhaps with the media infiltration and the hype about calcium supplements in the elders, this is a rather familiar symptom. Because of a depleted hormone level, the risks of developing this condition increase.
5. Mood swings. Irritability is obvious in women undergoing peri menopause. Depression could also develop, including a low self worth because of the bodily changes that deeply affect one’s morale. However, these behavioral changes are pretty normal in almost everybody; therefore, this could simply be brought about by environmental factors and not just this specific menopausal stage.
6. Vaginal dryness. The level of estrogen being depleted, lubrication and elasticity are also lost, rendering intercourse a problem. Urinary issues such as incontinence may also begin to be evident.
The time at which one has to seek treatment regarding peri menopause is uncertain. In reality, these symptoms are expected because menopause is deemed as a normal phase in a woman’s existence. Therefore, the key is accepting the situation and dealing with it head on. However, once one has reached the actual menopausal stage and the symptoms are becoming intolerable, then one can seek treatment to be familiar with alternative treatment options.
Hormone replacement therapy and behavioral approaches are among the common modalities suggested by professionals. Peri menopause is not a dreadful condition as it may sound. Other women find it terrifying, especially those who are just at the prime of their lives. We all know where this is going. If the issue is intimacy – as long as one has had a fulfilling sex life prior to this period, then menopause shall never be a problem.