Pre-menopause is the time when the body of a woman stops producing eggs and brings an end to her menstrual cycle. Professionally, the first indication of menopause is called 'peri menopause'. The term peri means 'around' and this stage lasts a long time once the periods stop. It is not until a lapse of one year, since the last regular period, that actual menopause occurs. During this time, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Along with erratic periods, there are certain other signs and symptoms that indicate the start of 'peri menopause'.
Not all the women experience the same sign and symptoms of peri menopause, commonly known as pre menopause. The age at which these symptoms occur is also varied among women. For some women, symptoms of pre-menopause start when they are in their early thirties, while others may notice menopausal signs in their forties only. There are also some women who do not experience any symptoms during pre menopause stage, though they are not in a majority. Read on to explore more on the signs and symptoms of pre-menopause.
Pre- Menopause Symptoms
- Aching and sore joints
- Appetite Changes
- Bloating
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Change in libido
- Cold hands and feet
- Depression, irritability
- Difficulty in either getting to sleep or staying asleep
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Dry skin and/or hair loss
- Fatigue
- Fibroids
- Heart palpitations (however, if you face any heart disturbance, consult a physician)
- Hot flashes, night sweats, coldness
- Incontinence
- Increase in allergies
- Insomnia
- Irregular periods that can be heavy or light, have shorter or longer cycles
- Itchy, 'crawly' skin
- Loss of or decreased sexual desire
- Migraine headaches
- Mood changes, anxiety
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Urinary problems
- Vaginal dryness and/or painful intercourse
- Weight gain
