Premenopause, or perimenopause, is the transitional time when a woman's ovaries begin to decline in function, typically during the 40s. According to the University of Virginia, premenopause can begin as early as the age of 30 and can last up to 10 years. Most women exhibit a wide variety of symptoms as their body begins to produce less estrogen and ends the ovulation and fertility cycle.
Physical Effects
The most obvious effect of premenopause is a change in the length, interval and flow of the menstrual cycle as ovulation begins to become sporadic; some women will skip one or more period altogether. It is important that the premenopausal woman realize that she is still fertile; birth control use should be continued until there has been no menstrual cycle for one full year.
Bladder and vaginal problems may develop as the lower estrogen levels in the body make women more susceptible to bladder and vaginal infections. Vaginal tissues lose elasticity and moisture, and intercourse may become painful without lubrication. Urinary incontinence may develop due to loss of tissue tone.
Night sweats and hot flashes may develop, with a wide variance in duration, frequency and intensity. The Mayo Clinic says that between 65 and 75 percent of premenopausal women experience some type of hot flashes during this time of change. Many women encounter sleep problems; it is unclear whether this is caused by night sweats or due to hormone fluctuation.
Premenopausal women may experience a loss or thinning of head hair, as well as an increase in facial hair.
Mental Effects
Irritability, depression and mood swings are often experienced; it is not known whether this is attributed to sleep disruption, changes in hormone levels or other menopausal symptoms. The government website Women's Health reports that some women experience felling mixed-up or confused, as well as problems focusing.
Invisible Effects
As the estrogen levels in the body decrease, the premenopausal woman becomes at risk for loss of bone density, thereby increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Cholesterol levels may change, with a rise in "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and a decrease in "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL); this combination puts the premenopausal woman at a higher risk for heart disease.
