Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which officially marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Perimenopause encompasses the time when a woman's body begins to make the natural shift toward permanent infertility, culminating in menopause when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period.
The hallmark sign of perimenopause is a change in the regularity and flow of periods. Other common symptoms include:
When does perimenopause start? Well, perimenopause can begin up to 10 years before menopause. Most women begin to notice signs of hormonal fluctuation in their 40s, but it can start as early as the mid-30s. There's no reliable way to predict exactly when perimenopause will begin - even if you think you know when your mom or sister started, everyone's experience is different.
The duration of perimenopause also varies dramatically from woman to woman. For some, this transitional time lasts just a couple of years. For others, bothersome symptoms can persist for up to a decade leading up to menopause. Frustratingly, there's no way to know ahead of time if you'll sail through perimenopause quickly or endure a lengthy slog.
The bottom line is that perimenopause signals your ovaries are beginning to wind down reproductive function. Eggs are maturing and being released more inconsistently, and ovulation becomes more irregular. Consequently, estrogen and progesterone production fluctuates dramatically. These hormone swings cause the familiar symptoms like hot flashes and an erratic menstrual cycle.
While perimenopause can be unpleasant for some women, just remember it's a natural transition that all ladies go through. Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle and utilizing stress-relief techniques can help mitigate symptoms. Additionally, making dietary changes to boost key nutrients and trying alternative therapies like acupuncture or botanicals may provide relief for some women.
If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, consider consulting with the experienced professionals at Harmonize Wellness Clinic for personalized guidance and support.