- Irregular periods — a persistent change of seven or more days in the length of your cycle can indicate early perimenopause, while a space of 60 days or more between periods can indicate late perimenopause.
- Hot flashes — sudden surges in body temperature that may be accompanied by redness and sweating.
- Sleep issues — sometimes caused by hot flashes, sometimes occurring on their own
- Mood changes — irritability and increased risk of depression, sometimes caused by sleep issues
- Vaginal and bladder problems — low estrogen levels can change vaginal tissue leaving a woman susceptible to bladder and vaginal infections and making intercourse painful.
- Decreased fertility — it is still possible to become pregnant. If you wish to avoid pregnancy, it is advisable to continue to practice birth control.
- Changing cholesterol levels — leading to an increased risk of heart disease
RELATED: 10 Early Signs Of Menopause
What is early and premature menopause?
The Office on Women’s Health describes early menopause as occurring before age 45, and premature menopause as occurring before age 40. This can happen naturally or if both ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy or oophorectomy. Other reasons for early or premature menopause include:
- Family history
- Smoking
- Chemotherapy or pelvic radiation treatments for cancer
- Certain health conditions, including autoimmune diseases; HIV and AIDS; missing chromosomes, and chronic fatigue syndrome
If you are having symptoms of perimenopause or menopause or are uncertain about the changes you are experiencing, your healthcare provider can order blood work to measure your levels of estrogen and other hormones. These tests can let you know if you have entered menopause by determining your fertility.
If you are experiencing any of the signs of perimenopause or menopause, your healthcare provider can help you navigate the symptoms. They may be able to help you manage vasomotor symptoms (VMS) such as hot flashes, weight gain, vaginal dryness and mood changes so that they do not disrupt your daily life. By seeking support, staying informed and living a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to navigate menopause with grace and vitality.