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METRO -- Hormones drive many functions in the human body, including the ability to reproduce. For women, estrogen, progesterone and even testosterone play key roles in health and well-being. The levels of these hormones are not static; at different times in the reproductive cycle they wax and wane, resulting in various symptoms. Such is the case at a point in a woman's life when she enters perimenopause.
Women likely know about puberty, pregnancy and the general years of menstruation. They have also likely heard of menopause, or when a woman's menstruation and ability to have children ceases. Nestled in between is a period of time called perimenopause, which is a series of years when women experience a vast array of symptoms that are not always fully understood or recognized.
What is perimenopause?
The U.S. Office on Women's Health says perimenopause is the natural transitional phase before menopause. During this time, the ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen and progesterone. This phase can begin in a person's 40s (or even earlier), and may last anywhere from four to 10 years. It ends with menopause, which is when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period.
What are symptoms
of perimenopause?
During perimenopause, a woman may notice changes in the body. Some are subtle and others more obvious. The Mayo Clinic lists these as possible symptoms, but there may be many others.
-- Irregular periods: As ovulation becomes more unpredictable, the length of periods, time between periods, flow, and other factors can change.
-- Hot flashes (flushes): Many women have hot flashes during perimenopause. Hot flashes vary in strength, length and frequency.
-- Sleep issues: Changes in sleep patterns can occur, and are sometimes accompanied by night sweats.
-- Mood changes: Mood swings, irritability and increased risk of anxiety or depression can happen during perimenopause.
-- Vaginal and bladder problems: Estrogen protects the vagina, urethra and other tissues. So when it decreases, tissue can become drier and less elastic. Pain during intercourse can occur, and dryness can cause burning when urinating, even if an infection is not present. Lack of estrogen also can cause a woman to get more urinary or vaginal infections.
-- Changes in sexual desire: During perimenopause, some women may enjoy sex less, while others may enjoy it more.
-- Loss of bone: As hormone levels decrease, bone loss occurs more quickly than it can be replaced.
-- Changes in digestion: Some women experience changes in the foods they can tolerate, bowel habits and other factors.
-- Changes in cholesterol levels: Less estrogen can cause an increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL, putting women at greater risk for heart disease.
Can tests detect
perimenopause?
Most health providers use age and symptoms as diagnostic tools for detecting perimenopause. Hormone levels fluctuate so much that tests often are not reliable, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But certain hormone tests can indicate if you're in perimenopause. Testing the FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) level can often determine if perimenopause is beginning. A consistently high level of FSH, which is a hormone the pituitary gland produces to stimulate the ovaries to release an egg during ovulation, indicates one is getting near menopause.
Women may choose to ride out perimenopause without much assistance, while others prefer talking to their doctors about different treatment options designed to address symptoms. Medications, lifestyle changes and hormone therapies can be options.