What Is Peri-menopause?

MENOPAUSE

It is the time in woman’s life between 45-51 years when ovaries stop producing eggs and menstrual periods stop for last 12 months. Average age of menopause is 51 years. Period around this time is perimenopause.



Even before stopping menstrual cycle, you can have symptoms due to changes in hormonal levels like irregular period, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and vaginal dryness.



Menopause is a normal part of woman’s life and does not always need to be treated. But for regular annual check-up and if symptoms are bothersome you need to see us.



Women who become menopausal before age 40 should see a gynaecologist for an abnormal early menopause and before 45 for proper calcium supplementation.



After hysterectomy with ovaries preserved, if you start having bothersome symptoms please visit us.



Abnormal bleeding during perimenopause-You should consult our doctor if -vaginal bleeding more frequent than every 3 weeks/excessive, heavy menstrual bleeding/spotting between periods/vaginal bleeding after menopause (even if it is just a spot of blood)



Birth control during menopause-If you are using hormonal methods, talk to us to know when to stop/switch to nonhormonal methods. If using an IUD ,you should get it removed when it expires.



Most common symptoms



1. Hot flushes-Sudden feeling of heat in upper chest and face, then spread throughout the body, lasts for 2-4 min. Usually begins well before your last menstrual period.

2. When hot flushes happen during sleep they are known as Night sweats. As a result of interrupted sleep (trouble falling asleep/staying asleep)many women develop fatigue irritability, trouble concentrating and mood swings.

3. Vaginal dryness-As levels of oestrogen fall before and during menopause the tissues inside vagina and urethra can become thin and dry. This can cause vaginal dryness, irritation or pain and dryness during intercourse.

4. Depression -Some women develop new problems with mood -sadness, difficulty concentrating, feeling uninterested in normal activities, sleep problems. If any such symptoms of depression, you should consult a doctor.

5. Low backache and tiredness-Regulated physical activity and calcium rich diet is required to prevent bone loss.Please visit us for proper advice .

With advances in medicine we understand and treat menopausal problems better. Treatments available are postmenopausal hormone therapy, nonhormonal alternatives and vaginal treatment.

