What Is Pre Menopause Anway?

Though menopause is said to occur when a woman stops having her periods, there is generally a long phase of pre menopause that comes first. This phase can, in fact, last anywhere from three years to ten years. The time a woman spends in this phase can vary dramatically--and so can her symptoms.

Often called perimenopause, usually begins when a woman is in her mid to late 40s, though it can begin much earlier when a woman is in her thirties. The first symptom is usually that a woman's periods become irregular, with longer or shorter time between cycles. Too, in this phase, the menstrual changes can be much less obvious with periods simply becoming a bit lighter or heavier each month. Any change in a woman's periods after the age of thirty-five can be a sign of the start of this phase, and it's a good idea to see a doctor.

The doctor may order a simple blood test to establish whether a woman's in the beginning of the phase. The blood test is to find out the level of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in her blood stream. This is the most reliable means of deciding whether a woman has entered the phase or not, though it isn't conclusive by any means. Many women who are actually post menopausal can have a normal FSH level. So it's very important that woman find a health care provider that will treat her particular symptoms rather than simply going by a test result that may not be correct.

A woman may also begin to experience mild, infrequent night sweats or hot flashes. These, too, can begin when a woman is in her mid to late thirties and is a strong indication she's in pre menopause. With these and irregular periods, a doctor may prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help regulate a woman's periods and aid in reducing other symptoms.

While in this phase, it's a good idea to do some reading and research about menopause. The best defense against it is most likely information. The more a woman knows about it and its symptoms, the better she can work with her doctor and also cope with symptoms when and if they worsen. Knowing what to expect goes a long way in making sure a woman feels in control of her condition rather than feeling the condition is in control of her!

Also read our article about Menopause Symptoms