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Perimenopause
Main Entry: peri·men·o·pause
Pronunciation: - men- - p z, - m n-
Function: noun
: The period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical signs (as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity)
Perimenopause can last for as long as 5 to 15 years, and is referred to as the period of which is a 3 to 4 year span just before menopause. Many women experience more symptoms during perimenopause than after menopause. This often happens at an age between 35 and 45. Most women will begin to experience changes in their menstrual cycle during the first phases of premenopause. Estrogen levels begin to drop, shortening the length of the cycle from 28-30 days to 24-26 days, resulting in more frequent periods. Other women begin having longer cycles because they are not ovulating as frequently. These changes can be quite different on an individual basis.
Some doctors believe this is a perfect time to begin estrogen/progesterone/testosterone therapy because then the hormone supplements do not create an excess, but are simply replacing a failing internal supply.
