1 E. Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(773) 435-1150
Internal Medicine
Suite 501
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Suite 300
| Menopause and Perimenopause |
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Menopause is a natural and important part of every woman's life.
Most women experience this stage after age 40 and spend a third of
their life in this phase. What Is Perimenopause? This transition starts years before your period stops. Perimenopause, or menopause transition, is the stage of a woman's reproductive life that begins several years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. It usually starts in a woman's 40s, but can start in the 30s as well. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, this decline in estrogen accelerates. At this stage, many women experience menopausal symptoms. How Long Does Perimenopause Last? The average length of perimenopause is four years, but for some women this stage may last only a few months or continue for 10 years. Perimenopause ends the first year after menopause (when a woman has gone 12 months without having her period). What Are the Signs of Perimenopause? You will know you are transitioning into menopause when you begin experiencing some or all of the following symptoms: Hot flashes Breast tenderness Worsening of premenstrual syndrome Decreased libido (sex drive) Fatigue Irregular periods Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex Urine leakage when coughing or sneezing Urinary urgency (a pressing need to urinate more frequently) Mood swings Difficulty sleeping What Is Menopause? Menopause is a normal part of aging; about 70% of woman experience symptoms. Lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and medications can help. Awareness of health during this stage is essential. Understanding Menopause: The Basics Menopause simply means the end of menstruation. Learn the basics about menopause in this brief article. MORE Menopause Causes What happens during menopause? What makes this transition occur? Read more about this important life stage. MORE Information obtained from www.webmd.com. |
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1 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611 (773) 435-1150 Internal Medicine - Suite 501 Obstetrics/Gynecology - Suite 300 |
