Perimenopause
Perimenopause is an important period in a woman’s life that often goes unnoticed. But the changes in the body that occur during this time can affect your health and well-being. Ignoring symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, or cycle irregularities can have serious consequences. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and possible solutions is the first step to maintaining your health and quality of life.
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Age of onset of perimenopause
Perimenopause usually begins in women between the ages of 40 and 50. However, the exact age can vary significantly depending on individual characteristics, heredity, and lifestyle.
If the first signs appear before the age of 40, this is called early perimenopause. Genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, or the effects of medical procedures (such as ovarian removal or chemotherapy) can contribute to the problem.
How to recognize the onset of perimenopause? Pay attention to changes in the menstrual cycle, the appearance of hot flashes, poor sleep, irritability, or vaginal dryness.
What influences the age at which perimenopause begins?
- Genetics If women in your family (such as your mother or grandmother) experienced early perimenopause, there is a chance that you will too
- Lifestyle Smoking, chronic stress, and excess weight can speed up the onset of hormonal changes
- Reproductive health Early ovarian surgery, endometriosis, or other gynecological conditions can affect the age of onset
- Environmental factors Bad habits and poor ecology can have a negative impact on the ovaries
Classification of premenopause
Premenopause is a period that can vary in age of onset, manifestations and their severity.
| Criteria | Type | Description | Additional comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of onset | Early perimenopause | Onset before age 40. Can be caused by genetics, autoimmune diseases, or stress. | It is important to exclude pathological causes such as premature ovarian failure. |
| Middle perimenopause | Occurs in the age range of 40-50 years. This is the most common option. | A normal physiological process, typical for most women. | |
| Late perimenopause | Occurs after 50 years. Associated with the genetic characteristics of the body. | Less common, but usually does not require additional intervention. | |
| Severity of symptoms | Mild form | Minor changes in the cycle, occasional hot flashes, mild mood changes. | Usually does not require treatment, supportive therapy is sufficient. |
| Moderate form | Regular hot flashes, sleep problems, irritability, cycle changes are more noticeable. | Requires medical supervision to choose the appropriate correction. | |
| Severe form | Frequent hot flashes, severe sleep disturbances, irritability, depression, abrupt cycle changes. | Medical care is needed, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT). | |
| Hormonal status | With normal hormone levels | Estrogen levels remain within normal limits, cycle changes are minimal. | The transition period is still in its initial stage, observation is usually sufficient. |
| With reduced hormone levels | Estrogen levels decrease, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other symptoms become more pronounced | A doctor's consultation is necessary to select a treatment to reduce discomfort | |
| Causes | Physiological | Natural decline in ovarian function with age. | The most common scenario. |
| Artificial | Occurs after surgical removal of the ovaries or their damage as a result of treatment (for example, chemotherapy). | Requires special correction, as the signs may be more pronounced. | |
| Premature | Occurs as a result of pathologies (autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders). | Requires a thorough examination and an individual approach to treatment. |
Hormones in Premenopause
Estrogens
Progesterone
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Testosterone
Thyroid Hormones
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus thickens due to hormonal imbalance. In premenopause, this is due to a lack of progesterone and excess estrogen. Symptoms include irregular periods, bleeding between periods, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Sometimes the disease is asymptomatic, only detectable by ultrasound.
Without treatment, hyperplasia can progress, increasing the risk of cancer. The doctor selects treatment depending on the degree of hyperplasia. This may include hormonal therapy to restore hormonal balance or surgical methods if atypical changes in the tissues are suspected.
Uterine myoma is a benign tumor that is more common in premenopausal women. Myoma growth is stimulated by high estrogen levels. The disease manifests itself in heavy menstruation, spotting, and a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen. With large growths, it is possible to compress adjacent organs, which causes frequent urination or constipation.
Without treatment, the neoplasm can cause anemia due to blood loss and seriously reduce the quality of life. The doctor determines the treatment tactics depending on the size and symptoms. This may be hormonal therapy to stop growth or surgical removal of the nodes.
Postmenopausal ovarian cysts require close attention, since the likelihood of malignant changes increases. They are usually discovered by chance during an ultrasound, since they often occur without symptoms. As the size of the cyst increases, it can cause pain, a feeling of pressure, or sharp pain when ruptured.
The danger of a cyst is the risk of its degeneration into a malignant tumor. The doctor prescribes treatment depending on the structure and size of the cyst. Simple lesions are observed, while complex or suspicious lesions are removed with subsequent histological examination of the tissue.
General information
Perimenopause Symptoms
Signs of disorders:
- Irregular menstruation. Changes in intervals between cycles, missed periods, unstable bleeding intensity
- Hot flashes. Sudden feeling of heat, accompanied by sweating, especially at night
- Increased irritability and mood swings. Emotional instability, anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances. Insomnia, frequent awakenings, feeling tired in the morning
- Decreased libido. Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
- Changes in appearance. Dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, weight gain in the waist area
- Feeling of discomfort in the pelvic area. Itching, vaginal dryness, increased risk of infections
- Problems with memory and concentration. Difficulty remembering, decreased speed of thinking
If you notice symptoms of premenopause or want to control your hormonal balance, the doctors at the K+31 clinic will help you understand and choose the right treatment. Sign up for a consultation, call or write to us. For details and prices, please call or visit our website.
Answers to popular questions
Premenopause is a period that raises many questions for many women. Answers to the most common ones will help to understand the nuances and remove possible doubts.
Is it possible to get pregnant during perimenopause?
What are the contraindications for hormone therapy?
How do I know if my symptoms are related to perimenopause?
Do I need to change my diet during perimenopause?
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What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the period that precedes menopause and usually begins in women after 40 years of age. This time is characterized by a gradual decrease in the levels of female hormones - estrogen and progesterone, which leads to changes in the functioning of the reproductive system.
Perimenopause can last from several months to 5-10 years. This stage ends when menstruation stops completely, which is the beginning of menopause.
Why is it important to pay attention to this period? Changes occurring in the body can affect overall health. For example, a decrease in estrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and deterioration of the skin.