Waking up at 5am

JustaMom
Fri, 25 May 2007 15:44:39 +0000

emeraldkity4:

Perimenopause, or pre-menopause is a transitional stage of two to ten years before complete cessation of the menstrual period. Its average duration is six years, and can appear in women from 35 to 50 years of age. This has not been a stage of women’s lives much talked about, and a woman can find herself experiencing puzzling changes, and not know why. What is actually going on is a gradual decrease of estrogen. The manifestations of perimenopause can vary. Here are some of the most commonly reported ones:

changes in your menstrual cycle (longer or shorter periods, heavier or lighter periods, or missed periods)
hot flashes (sudden rush of heat from your chest to your head)
night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep)
vaginal dryness
sleep problems
mood changes (mood swings, depression, irritability)
pain during sex
more urinary infections
urinary incontinence
less interest in sex
increase in body fat around your waist
problems with concentration and memory

Women normally go through perimenopause between ages 45 and 55, but some women start perimenopause earlier, even in their 30s. When perimenopause starts, and how long it lasts varies from woman to women.