PERIMENOPAUSE

The term menopause is commonly used to mean the transition women go through in the years before, during and after their last menstrual period. Technically menopause is when a woman has not had a period for a full year as a consequence of reproductive aging. The average age for menopause is 52 but can be as early as age 40 or as late as age 58. 

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Perimenopause is the time immediately before menopause. This phase can begin as early as 40 and lasts until menopause begins. Menstrual cycles often become irregular in perimenopause and perimenopause is highly variable lasting for 1-8 years.

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During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels can vary day to day and month to month. Ovulation becomes intermittent and unpredictable; however, it is not safe to stop using contraception (if needed) as pregnancies can still occur. The variation in hormone levels can create symptoms such as intermittent hot flashes and/or night sweats, problems with sleep, increasing headaches and mood changes. There can also be weight gain, with the average being 5 pounds.

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 Not all women have symptoms and the timing and severity of symptoms can vary widely. 

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It is important for women in the second half of life to maintain heart-healthy habits and to continue with recommended screening tests such as mammography, colonoscopy and cervical cancer screening tests.