Embrace the end zone!

10 Things You Might not Know About Perimenopause — Page 2

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6) What is artificial menopause?

Artificial menopause affects 25 percent women, from surgical ovary removal, surgical disruption of ovaries’ blood supply, from chemotherapy, radiation, or from certain drugs. Coming to menopause this way can be really intense because the transition time is so short.

7) What is premature menopause?

Premature menopause occurs in the 30s or early 40s. Autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies or chronic stress issues often accompany this early menopause. Here too, the transition time is short and hard.

8) What is natural menopause?

Natural menopause will usually occur between 45 and 55 years of age, with a milder transition period.

9) What’s the downside of perimenopause?

Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep dysfunction and vaginal dryness are well-known.

Mood swings affects some women, to varying degrees. Depression is more common during this time.

You may be more prone to headaches and muscle aches. Your heartbeat may become more rapid. You may have a decrease in your ability to concentrate and an increase in memory loss.

The risk for arthritis, breast cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis increase as perimenopause progresses.

Other symptoms of perimenopause can include weight gain, water retention, PMS and breast tenderness. Hair may become thinner and dryer. Skin can be drier too.

10) What’s the upside?

Sound intimidating? In some ways, perhaps. But life goes on after menopause, and in some ways things are easier.

For the first time since your teens, monthly fluctuating hormones will not be a factor. No longer will you need to keep track of periods or ovulation, no more will you wonder if you might be pregnant.

You will have entered a brand new phase of life. Embrace it.

Reviewed July 26, 2016
 by Michele Blacksberg RN