Understanding Perimenopause: Symptoms, Causes & Management

Menopause occurs in women and it is characterized by the cessation of menstrual cycles for more than 12 months. The time period leading up to this is called perimenopause or premenopause. Women usually go through this condition when they turn 50 or shortly thereafter.

Ovaries

• One of the first things that happens in perimenopausal syndrome is the ovaries no longer produce eggs, which causes side effects.

Hormones

• As a result of eggs not being produced any more, estrogen and progesterone production is blunted.

Symptoms

• Some of the symptoms of perimenopause are hot flashes, irritability, sleep disturbances and irregular periods.

Contraceptives

• Oral contraceptives are sometimes used as a treatment option to keep the symptoms under control.

Therapy

• Another treatment option is hormone therapy to boost the low levels of progesterone and estrogen.