The first signs of perimenopause age typically appear in a woman’s mid-to-late 40s and can include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, changes in libido and mood swings.
These changes may start happening months or years before menopause actually occurs and can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Women may also experience diminishing estrogen levels and changes in their egg production during perimenopause, which can lead to decreased fertility.
Other common signs of perimenopause age include vaginal dryness, joint soreness, fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness and memory lapses. Many women also begin to notice weight gain starting in the perimenopause age, and those who rarely had breakouts prior to menopause often experience sudden onset skin issues such as acne.
What is the most common early symptom of perimenopause?
The most common early symptom of perimenopause is irregular menstrual periods. This can include menstrual periods that are lighter or heavier than usual, come more or less often than usual, and start earlier or later than usual.
Other common symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, insomnia or sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and discomfort, breast tenderness, and joint pain and stiffness. Many women also report having mood changes and feeling more anxious or emotional.
What is the average age to start perimenopause?
The average age at which women begin to experience symptoms of perimenopause is between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the range can vary considerably, with some women entering perimenopause as early as their 30s and others not experiencing it until their late 50s or early 60s.
While the average age to start perimenopause is estimated to be around age 47 and 48, it is typically considered to be “early” if it happens before age 40 and “late” if it happens after age 55. Perimenopause is marked by a decline in the production of estrogen, which can result in a variety of symptoms.
These symptoms can include: hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido.
What does perimenopause discharge look like?
Perimenopause discharge can vary greatly in consistency, color, and amount. Most commonly, it is a thin, clear, white or light yellow discharge without an unpleasant odor. It may become heavier or thinner throughout the menstrual cycle, and often increases during sexual arousal.
It may also become more wet and slippery when hormones are in flux during perimenopause. Generally, women should not be concerned with discharge during this time as it is simply a sign of normal hormonal fluctuations.
But, it’s always important to pay attention to changes, especially if a change in color, consistency, or odor occurs. If there are other symptoms such like itching, burning, or any corresponding pain, it’s best to speak with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment advice.
Can you self diagnose perimenopause?
No, it is not recommended to self-diagnose perimenopause. Perimenopause is a complex and sometimes long transition that requires medical attention and monitoring. It is best to talk to your primary care doctor or gynecologist about any symptoms you’re experiencing that could indicate perimenopause.
Perimenopause typically occurs in a women’s 40s and is the beginning of the transition away from her reproductive years. Common symptoms can include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, night sweats, anxiety, irritability, vaginal dryness, libido changes and more.
Lab work including hormone levels can help diagnose perimenopause as well as determine if treatment is necessary. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as a containing stress and exercising more, can help support a woman as she goes through this transition.
What should you do if you suspect perimenopause?
If you suspect that you may be experiencing perimenopause, there are several steps you should take to better understand and manage your symptoms. First, it’s important to visit your doctor to get a full physical exam, as well as a hormonal profile.
This will help to identify any imbalances that may be causing your symptoms. Once this has been done, you and your doctor can explore treatment options, including evaluating lifestyle changes, taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT, though this should only be done after discussing all risks and benefits with your doctor), dietary changes, or other supplements or medications to help balance hormones and manage symptoms.
To further support your health and wellbeing, it might be useful to explore stress-management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, massage therapy, or guided imagery, all of which can help you to better cope with the challenges of perimenopause.
Additionally, regular exercise can be helpful for both physical and mental wellbeing, as well as maintaining healthy weight, which can also help manage symptoms. Additionally, it can be helpful to find support from other women who are also going through the process of perimenopause.
Joining a support group can be beneficial and help you to better manage and understand your symptoms.
Should I see a doctor if I think I am perimenopausal?
Yes, it is a good idea to see a doctor if you think you are perimenopausal. Perimenopause is the transition period that typically occurs for women between their late 30s and early 50s, which happens as a woman’s body approaches menopause.
Symptoms of perimenopause can vary widely, and it is important to have these evaluated by a doctor. Symptoms may include sleep disturbances, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and/or irregular periods.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist to discuss them. They will likely ask you questions about your medical history and current health, and perform a physical and pelvic exam to determine if perimenopause is the cause.
Blood tests may also be recommended to look for specific hormones related to perimenopause, such as FSH and estrogen. If it is determined that you are experiencing perimenopause, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.
How do you test for perimenopause?
Testing for perimenopause generally involves a full physical exam from a healthcare professional, as well as a discussion of any symptoms you might be experiencing. It is also common for a healthcare professional to review your personal and family history, as this can be helpful in diagnosing perimenopause.
Your healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to measure your hormone levels and check for other diseases and conditions such as thyroid disorders or diabetes. A pelvic examination is also typically performed, which can help in determining just how far along you are in terms of menopause.
Additionally, your doctor may also request a mammogram in order to detect any changes in the breast tissue, which can be indicative of perimenopause.
Finally, though perimenopause is sometimes diagnosed through an overall assessment of your symptoms and health, some women opt to undergo a saliva test to check hormone levels. And it can be a helpful tool for assessing hormone levels, tracking the changes that occur in perimenopause, and gauging the success of any treatment.
Can perimenopause make you feel ill all the time?
Yes, it is possible that perimenopause can make you feel ill all the time. Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause and it can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, headaches, and more.
Many of these symptoms can make you feel ill, and the changes in hormones during perimenopause can affect your overall health and wellness. If you are feeling ill all the time, it is important to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider to make sure you are managing your symptoms properly and that there are not additional underlying medical issues.
What can perimenopause be confused with?
Perimenopause can be easily confused with other symptoms that can arise with hormonal imbalances, including those caused by ovulation, hypothyroidism, premenstrual syndrome, conditions that affect the adrenal glands, and certain medications or supplements.
Additionally, it can be confused with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer, stress, depression, and even menopause. Some of the common symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as irregular menstrual cycles and hot flashes, can also be symptomatic of other hormonal imbalances.
As such, it can be difficult to distinguish the cause of these symptoms without additional medical testing. Additionally, perimenopause can be confused with other conditions that produce similar types of symptoms such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, and endometriosis.
Ultimately, it is important to get a proper medical evaluation to determine if the symptoms are related to perimenopause or another condition.
