Menopause is the natural end of the menstrual cycle for women. An end that is the final release from years of the menstrual problems like PMS, hormonal surges, headaches, mood swings cramps and pregnancy risks. However, this is no sudden and abrupt end, entire process is set in motion years before the end and women finally are relieved from the monthly chores.
Menopause:
As women age, the production of hormones, estrogen, and progesterone which are responsible for menstruation slowly decreases accounting for skipped or late periods over time. As this process of the irregular period continues for a few years (3-5), the hormones completely fall off the cliff stopping the periods altogether marking the end to your reproductive period: Menopause.
Perimenopause:
The gradual reduction of hormonal production slowly manifests in the form of biological and physical changes as the body slowly gears towards menopause. This time period where the symptoms and changes in women’s body begin to occur is called Perimenopause.
Symptoms of Perimenopause:
As Perimenopause is the stage where symptoms begin to appear, this is the stage where women generally become anxious and bothered as they experience changes in their body which they haven’t been accustomed to before. At our clinic in Mumbai, gynaecologist Dr. Neelima Mantri frequently sees women with these perimenopause problems which are only normal for the aging process. So here we have decided to clear up the symptoms and problems associated with perimenopause.
Here are the common symptoms of perimenopause that women can experience in here journey towards menopause:
Vaginal drying: As estrogen levels reduce, the vaginal lining becomes thinner and rigid decreasing the natural lubricant. These changes dry-up the vagina and can make intercourse painful and also vulnerable to yeast infections.
Irregular or missed periods: As hormone production reduces over time ovulation becomes unpredictable resulting in irregular periods. If you experience a change of 7 days, then you are likely to be in early perimenopause and anything more than 40 days indicates late perimenopause.
Hot flashes: A sudden wave of warmth can engulf you with a rapid heartbeat and sweating followed by a body chill for 1 to 5 minutes. Hot flashes are the signature symptom of perimenopause.
Mood swings: The hormonal changes associated with the perimenopause phase are also responsible for mood swings, irritability and occasional lows in perimenopause.
Sleep disruptions: Around 50% of the women report sleep disturbances during the perimenopause. While hot flashes and night sweats account for sleep disruption, change in the sleep cycle due to aging is also one of the factors.
Lower sex drive and decreased fertility: Hormone changes also can result in diminished sex drive in women and as the periods are irregular, the chances of pregnancy naturally decrease during the perimenopause.
In addition to the above symptoms, perimenopause heavy periods, hair thinning, dry skin, weight gain, nausea, bloating, tender breast are some of the problems associated with perimenopause. While 51 is the average age in India for women to experience Menopause, few women experience them in their early 40s or late 50s too. So the onset of symptoms can vary from women to women.
If you have been observing any of these problems mildly, then don’t worry it’s completely normal to experience them to the hormonal change you are going through in the perimenopause. But if the problems are seriously interfering with your day to day life it is advised to consult a gynaecologist as soon as possible. If you live and around Mumbai and are looking for the best female gynaecologist in Mumbai to help you cope up with these premenopausal symptoms then you can contact Dr. Neelima Mantri here Call@ +91 7045115577
