What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage at which the body makes the natural transition to menopause, signaling the end of the reproductive years.
This stage of progression varies from woman to woman, as symptoms can be detected as early as the age of 40 or as late as the mid-30s.
Prognosis of the disease
Perimenopause is not serious; it is a natural transition to menopause.
The most usual complication is irregular periods and, normally, it is not something to worry about. The specialist should be consulted if the bleeding is persistent, of long duration or occurs between periods. Also in the case of persistent or high intensity symptomatology.
Symptoms of perimenopause
During this transition stage we can detect different subtle changes in the woman’s body, as well as more evident changes:
- Irregular menstrual period: due to more unpredictable ovulation.
- Vaginal or bladder problems: loss of lubrication and elasticity, which can cause painful intercourse. In addition, you are also more vulnerable to vaginal infections.
- Progressive decrease in fertility: in any case, to avoid pregnancy, it is advisable to use contraceptive methods until the woman has not menstruated in a year.
- Changes in sexual drive or desire.
- Hot flashes and sleeping difficulties: these vary from woman to woman.
- Mood changes: irritability or increased risk of depression.
- Bone loss: increased risk of osteoporosis.
- Changes in cholesterol levels.
Perimenopause is a natural transition to menopause.
Medical tests for perimenopause
The specialist is usually able to diagnose perimenopause with the information provided by the patient:
- Age
- Symptoms and changes experienced by the body
- Menstrual history
In less conclusive cases, the specialist may indicate to the patient the performance of tests to determine hormone levels, although these are very particular cases.
What are the causes of perimenopause?
Most of the changes that women experience during perimenopause are due to the decrease in estrogen. This is because the body, when in the process of menopause, increases and decreases the production of estrogen and progesterone.
Can it be prevented?
Both perimenopause and menopause are natural stages in a woman’s life, which vary or are more evident depending on each particular case. In any case, there are some studies that indicate certain factors that may favor the onset of perimenopause at earlier ages:
- Patients with a family history of early menopause.
- Women who smoke start menopause one to two years earlier than non-smoking women.
- Women who are being treated with cancer, using chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy.
- Hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, can cause menopause earlier than average age.
Treatments for perimenopause
In some cases, certain treatments can be performed to alleviate the symptoms of perimenopause.
In this regard, systemic estrogen therapy is useful to alleviate the signs of perimenopause or menopause, such as hot flashes or night sweats. Related to hot flashes, some antidepressants may also be useful for those who cannot take estrogens for health reasons or because they have a disorder. Gabapentin may also help reduce hot flashes in women who cannot take estrogen therapy.
Finally, vaginal estrogen can relieve vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse or urinary symptoms.
Which specialist treats you?
In the case of requiring medical attention, since some symptoms may be more difficult to tolerate on a case-by-case basis, a specialist in Gynecology should be consulted.