What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is your reproductive system winding down over 10 to 15 years, in anticipation of menopause, the end of your childbearing years. (‘Peri’ means around and ‘menopause’ means cessation of monthly periods.) Perimenopausal ovaries no longer produce a predictable amount of the hormones progesterone, testosterone and estrogen.
Perimenopause is an expected, natural part of ageing, not a disease. Some women have no or very mild symptoms. However, in many women ovarian insufficiency leads to insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, forgetfulness, mood swings, hot flashes, menstrual problems and loss of sexual desire. Around age 35, your hormones will alert you that your reproductive capacity is reduced. You will most likely experience perimenopausal symptoms of varying intensity from age 42 until 51. Acute discomfort may last for 3 to 6 years if you do not take steps to control it.
Menopause occurs the day after your final period finishes, so it is diagnosed in hindsight. It is the definitive end of menstruation and fertility, when no menstrual periods have occurred for 12 consecutive months. (‘Mens’ is Greek for month and ‘pausis’ means cease.) Menopause is also called the change of life or climacteric. Many people use the term ‘menopause’ to also cover perimenopause, when symptoms of the change of life begin, but this is incorrect terminology.
Menopause may be a survival adaptation in humans. Perhaps it evolved to provide experienced caregivers who could guard and teach grandchildren, supplement the food supply, and increase their grandchildren’s chances of survival in times of privation.
