Perimenopause starts with your first hot flash (medically known as vasomotor symptoms) and lasts until 12 months after your last period. You may already be in it (symptoms can start as early as your 30s). Take this quiz and find out.
1. Which of the following can be a sign that menopause is approaching?
a. Insomnia
b. Decreased sexual desire
c. Thinning hair
d. All of the above
2. Since perimenopause is a natural process, there’s no need to see a doctor when symptoms begin. True or false?
True
False
3. Birth-control pills are safe for women in perimenopause. True or false?
True
False
4. Over the last few decades many women have chosen to combat hot flashes and supplement their declining stores of estrogen and progesterone with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, new research suggests that long-term HRT use can result in serious health consequences. Which of the following risks may accompany long-term HRT use?
a. Increased risk of heart disease
b. Increased risk of invasive breast cancer
c. Increased risk of stroke and blood clots
d. Increased risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia
e. All of the above
RELATED: Q&A: Help Me Deal With Perimenopause
5. Symptoms are sometimes ambiguous. A blood test can help you figure out if you’re in perimenopause. True or false?
True
False
6. The age at which you had your first period can help predict when you will reach menopause. True or false?
True
False
Your Results
1. Which of the following can be a sign that menopause is approaching?
The correct answer is: d. All of the above.
Declining estrogen levels can keep you up at night, deflate your libido, and thin your locks. This is also the cause of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and many other symptoms.
2. Since perimenopause is a natural process, there’s no need to see a doctor when symptoms begin. True or false?
The correct answer is: False.
Perimenopausal changes are completely normal, but it’s a good idea to see a doctor at this point to rule out