Perimenopause symptoms are not as funny as the jokes

There are a multitude of jokes made about women going through menopause. Most are centered around symptoms, more often than not, about hot flashes, and most of them aren’t amusing, particularly to the women going through the process.

I must confess, though, that I thought the whole journey from perimenopause to menopause was funny, mostly because I knew exactly what was happening to my body. The levels of estrogen and progesterone (key female hormones) were on a roller coaster ride, and I couldn’t get off it. For once in my life, I was too warm!

Mayo Clinic tells us, “Women start perimenopause at different ages. You may notice signs of progression toward menopause, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.

“Your menstrual cycles may lengthen or shorten, and you may begin having menstrual cycles in which your ovaries don’t release an egg (ovulate). You may also experience menopause-like symptoms, such as hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness.

“Once you’ve gone through 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, you’ve officially reached menopause, and the perimenopause period is over.”

Although irregular periods are typical of perimenopause, you’ll want to see your primary care provider if your menstrual bleeding is extremely heavy; bleeding lasts longer than seven days; bleeding occurs between periods or periods occur less than 21 days apart. These symptoms may be a signal that there’s a problem with your reproductive system.

Perimenopause symptoms and their intensity will obviously vary from one woman to the next. Sometimes coming to the reality that you’re aging can affect your moods. However, mood swings can also occur because your sleep patterns have been disrupted by night sweats. Irritability and a higher risk of depression are not uncommon. If you experience depression regularly, please talk to your health care provider. There are so many good treatments available today.

You may find that as estrogen levels diminish, you develop vaginal and bladder problems. “Your vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity, making intercourse painful,” Mayo says. “Low estrogen may also leave you more vulnerable to urinary or vaginal infections. Loss of tissue tone may contribute to urinary incontinence.”

Although it is still possible to become pregnant, ovulation becomes irregular, and your ability to conceive decreases. If you don’t wish to become pregnant, you should use birth control methods until you reach menopause.

Talking about getting pregnant leads us to sexual desire. Some women will experience an increase in libido, others the complete opposite. If you’re the latter and, particularly, if you’ve always enjoyed sex in the past, it’s time for a chat with the medico.

Next, let’s talk about osteoporosis. As your estrogen levels drop, you will lose bone more quickly than you’ll replace it. This isn’t something that you can feel; it doesn’t hurt. But I’m sure you know that the weaker your bones, the more apt they are to break, and you’ll certainly feel that. So ask the medico about getting a DEXA scan. And, while you’re at it, talk about how much calcium and vitamin D you’re getting now and how much you should get in future months.

Another thing to know and to talk to professionals about is that declining estrogen levels may lead to unfavorable changes in your blood cholesterol levels. Mayo says it includes “an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the ‘bad’ cholesterol — which contributes to an increased risk of heart disease. At the same time, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the ‘good’ cholesterol — decreases in many women as they age, increasing the risk of heart disease.”

Perimenopause and menopause are normal phases of life. What age you go through it is mostly out of your hands. However, if you are a smoker, research tells us that you’re apt to go through it one to two years earlier than women who don’t smoke.

Mayo says, “Women with a family history of early menopause may experience early menopause themselves. Treatment for cancer with chemotherapy or pelvic radiation therapy has been linked to early menopause as well.”

It’s important to feel comfortable talking to your PCP about personal matters. Sandpoint Women’s Health is accepting new patients. Call 208-263-2173 for an appointment.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of the Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.