28th May 2013 | by MFC Team
Less common signs that perimenopause may have started
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s natural fertility lifespan, which occurs on average, around the age of 51. During the perimenopause (the period leading up to menopause), a woman’s ovaries start to slow down the production of hormones. For some women this process can begin in their 30s, while for others it may not occur until their 40s or even 50s.
Most women associate menopause with the more common symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, decreased energy. However, the perimenopause may come with an array of lesser known signs and symptoms such as indigestion, anxiety, panic attacks, receding gums, skin conditions, joint pain, and heart palpitations. Other signs that you may be perimenopausal include problems sleeping, irregular periods, mirgraine headaches, decreased sex drive, weight gain, breast tenderness, and urinary incontinence. Women who are more sensitive to hormones and have a history of hormone-related problems (e.g., PMS, postpartum depression) appear to be particularly susceptible to experiencing these lesser-known perimenopausal symptoms.
For example, 49 year old Mandy Flynn began experiencing unusual symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, leg and arm pain, memory loss, and acid reflux. After living with these health problems for a year and a half, she consulted with her doctor and learned that they were linked to problems with her hormones, and were a sign that menopause was approaching.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, you may want to speak with your doctor about whether these changes might be related to menopause.
To read more about this issue, click here:
Indigestion, dizzy spells, itchy skin: The unexpected signs you’re about to hit menopause [Daily Mail Online]
To read more about menopause, click here.