What are Peri-Menopause Symptoms

You might have heard the word but have no idea what peri-menopause symptoms are. First, peri-menopause is the time that leads up to the actual menopause, which is when you have been void of a menstrual cycle for a full 12 months. During the time of peri-menopause, the body will begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone, the two hormones required for a woman to become pregnant.

The time peri-menopause symptoms lasts will vary from one woman to another. Typically, a woman will begin the process of menopause anywhere from age 47 to age 52, although that too can vary. With peri-menopause, this phase of the process can actually begin as early as 35, lasting from a couple of months to several years. The frustrating aspect of this phase is that knowing how long it will last cannot be determined.

Typically, some of the same menopause symptoms such as depression, irritability, mood swings, and so on, are also seen during the peri-menopause phase. Some women will go through this fairly easy while other women really struggle. To give you an idea of the other peri-menopause symptoms that might be commonly experienced includes:

· Hot flashes where the neck, shoulders, and head feel hot and flushed
· Longer and shorter and/or heavier and lighter monthly periods
· Night sweats
· Pain during intercourse caused by a dry, thin vagina
· Insomnia
· Frequent urinary infection and/or incontinence
· Increased level of body fat around the waist section
· Difficulty concentrating

While each women may need to try several things before finding the one that helps with the various peri-menopause symptoms, there are some things you can try such as keeping track of your symptoms so you know if they are in fact associated with menopause or something different, getting involved with a hobby or some type of interest, using a vaginal lubricant during sexual intercourse, maintaining a healthy body weight through diet and exercise, and talking to your doctor to make sure everything is fine.

Probably one of the most important things to know about this phase of menopause is that even if you are experiencing one or more peri-menopause symptoms, you can still become pregnant as long as you are still having a monthly menstrual cycle. Therefore, do not thing that just because you are beginning the change of life, you are safe. Most importantly, if you have any concerns, know there are many good solutions to help you through the process of menopause.