Perimenopause is the period of life that signals the end of a woman's reproductive abilities. During this period, estrogen levels fluctuate unevenly, causing many noticeable symptoms. Although reproductive ability ceases at the end of this period, it is important to remember that perimenopausal women can still lead active and fulfilling lives.
Menstrual Changes
During perimenopause, ovulation becomes irregular, which means that an egg is not always released. This can cause irregular menstrual periods or the complete absence of menstrual periods. The ability to conceive a child is also reduced as a result of this irregular ovulation. If a menstrual period has occurred within the past 12 months, contraception should still be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. A woman should continue using contraception until she has not had a menstrual period for 12 months.
Sleep Problems
Women may experience difficulty sleeping during perimenopause due to hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flashes occur due to the fluctuating hormone levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, 65 to 75 percent of women in perimenopause experience hot flashes. "Night sweats" is a termed used to describe excessive sweating during the night. The sweating can be so excessive that sheets and pajamas become damp.
Libido Changes
Perimenopause can cause changes in a woman's levels of sexual desire and arousal. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur during this period of life. Women who had normal levels of desire and intimacy before menopause typically maintain their desire during perimenopause and menopause.
Genitourinary Problems
Women in perimenopause may experience problems with the vagina and bladder, which occur when levels of estrogen decline. Vaginal tissues may lose their elasticity and lubrication, making intercourse difficult or painful. Low levels of estrogen can also increase the risk for vaginal infections or injuries. Bladder incontinence may also occur as the result of a loss of muscle tone in the genitourinary tract.
Mood Changes
Mood changes occur in some women as they go through perimenopause. These changes may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, but they may also be caused by sleep problems or worry about the other signs and symptoms of this period of life. These changes may include mood swings and episodes of depression and irritability.
Bone Loss
Bone tissue makes up the human skeleton, providing structure and support for the body. Old bone tissue is constantly replaced through a process called "resorption." In this process, old bone is broken down and replaced with new bone, but it is possible for the old bone to be broken down faster than the new bone can be produced, resulting in bone loss. The declining levels of estrogen that occur during perimenopause can lead to bone loss, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Increased Cholesterol
According to physicians from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, estrogen helps to reduce the amount of total cholesterol in the blood by regulating the amount of cholesterol that is produced in the liver. When estrogen levels decline, blood cholesterol levels increase because estrogen is not controlling cholesterol production as much as it was before perimenopause.
