Perimenopause is the term used to describe the phase when a woman’s body begins to transition into menopause. Because this change can occur while a woman is still in her 30s, she may experience problems with infertility when trying to conceive. If you’re dealing with infertility related to perimenopause, consider the following four effects you can expect.

What to Expect During Perimenopause

1. Menstrual Cycle Changes

Perimenopause causes a reduction in the estrogen sent to your ovaries, which can affect the timing of your menstrual cycle. Most often, women notice a shorter cycle, usually shortened by two or three days, but could be as much as one or two weeks. In addition to having your period more frequently, this fluctuation in your menstrual cycle can also contribute to infertility.

2. Heavy Bleeding

While a woman’s blood flow can vary at any time during her menstrual cycle, you may notice abnormally heavy bleeding—known as menorrhagia—during perimenopause. The imbalance of estrogen and progesterone can cause a surge in your flow that may require you to change your sanitary napkin or tampon more frequently.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Another impact of the hormone imbalance is the development of hot flashes and night sweats, which can make staying asleep difficult. While many women don’t have a problem falling asleep, many wake up hours before they need to and have trouble going back to bed. These disturbances can cause low energy and moodiness.

4. Vaginal Changes

The decline in estrogen and progesterone levels that occurs during perimenopause can cause changes in the way your vagina feels. Your vaginal walls may become thinner, drier, and less flexible than they once were, making them more prone to irritation with penetration.

If you think perimenopause could be causing infertility issues, talk with one of our compassionate and knowledgeable doctors at Diamond Institute for Infertility & Menopause, in Millburn, NJ. For more than 40 years, Dr. Yemini and Dr. Onwubalili have offered the vital resources and services couples need to conceive a healthy baby. Couples with infertility issues are offered several other alternatives, including surrogacy. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (973) 761-5600 to schedule an appointment.