Side Effects of Pre-Menopause

Pre-menopause, also called perimenopause, refers to the years prior to menopause. During the pre-menopausal phase, women undergo hormonal changes that can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Perimenopause typically happens to women in their forties and fifties, and can last for up to eight years. But all women are different, so it is not uncommon to go through pre-menopause during your thirties.

Menstrual Cycle

• During pre-menopause women have erratic periods that are longer or shorter in duration with varying degrees of blood flow.

Weight Changes

• Hormonal changes during pre-menopause can cause unexplained weight gain.

Joints and Bones

• Pain and stiffness in the joints, and loss of bone density are side effects of pre-menopause.

Mood Swings

• The reduction of progesterone during pre-menopause makes stress more difficult to handle. For this reason, women may experience mood swings, depression and irritability.

Libido

• Perimenopause can cause women to experience vaginal dryness and a decrease in libido.

Hot Flashes

• Hormonal changes during the pre-menopausal stage can cause hot flashes, cold spells and night sweats.