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The first phase of menopause, or when a woman’s ovaries cease producing eggs and decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones, is perimenopause. Symptoms of perimenopause typically begin manifesting when women are in their late 40s; however, they can appear as early as the mid-30s. If any of the following symptoms are unmanageable or affect your quality of life, visit your local women’s health clinic for support.

5 Symptoms of Perimenopause

1. Period Changes

During perimenopause, periods may be shorter or longer than usual. Some are heavy while others are not. Missed periods are also common, so they may only occur every two to four months. As you get closer to menopause, you will experience fewer and fewer periods. If it’s been at least 60 days since your last period, you are in the late stage of perimenopause.

2. Mood Swings

Mood swings become common as the body experiences hormonal fluctuations. You may feel suddenly irritable or sad, or even elated. A healthy lifestyle helps keep mood swings in check, such as consuming mood-boosting foods and exercising regularly to flood the brain with feel-good chemicals.

3. Hot Flashes

women's health clinicBoth daytime and nighttime hot flashes are most likely due to circulatory and hormonal changes. They cause sudden bodily temperature increases that can leave you sweating with a flushed face and rapid heart rate. Avoiding the aforementioned triggers as well as binding clothing helps you manage these heat surges. Keeping cool in air conditioning provides relief as well.

4. Insomnia

Hormonal changes and night sweats can affect sleep patterns. As the nighttime form of hot flashes, night sweats cause you to wake up feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Avoid hot flash triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco to make it easier to fall and stay asleep. If your insomnia continues despite your best efforts, talk to your gynecologist.

5. Vaginal Dryness

The moisture layer in the vagina thins due to decreasing estrogen levels, which makes sex uncomfortable without a lubricant. Use a water-based lubricant to prevent irritation, especially since vaginal dryness increases your susceptibility to burning and itching sensations. If you still experience dryness, discuss your symptoms at your women’s health clinic.

 

To take care of yourself during this transition, review these and other perimenopausal symptoms with the women’s health care providers at Alaska Women’s Health PC. The Anchorage-based women’s health clinic has served women of all ages for over 30 years and is certified in Safety Certification in Outpatient Excellence (SCOPE). Call (907) 563-7228 to schedule an appointment, and visit the women’s health clinic online for more about obstetric services. Like their Facebook page for the latest tips and news.

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