Symptoms menopauseperiods.mymenopauseonline.com During the perimenopausal period some subtle — and some not-so-subtle — changes in your body may occur. Some things you might experience include: * Menstrual irregularity. As ovulation becomes more erratic, the intervals between periods may be longer or shorter, your flow may be scanty to profuse, and you may skip some periods. Early perimenopause is defined as a change in your menstrual cycle length of more than seven days. Late perimenopause is characterized by two or more missed periods and an interval of 60 days or more between periods. * Hot flashes and sleep problems. About 65 to 75 percent of women experience hot flashes, most commonly during late perimenopause. The intensity, duration and frequency vary. Sleep problems are often due to hot flashes or night sweats, but sometimes sleep becomes erratic even without them. * Mood changes. Some women experience mood swings, irritability or increased risk of depression during perimenopause, but the cause of these symptoms may be sleep disruption caused by hot flashes. Mood changes may also be caused by factors not related to the hormonal changes of perimenopause. * Vaginal and bladder problems. When estrogen levels diminish, your vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity, making intercourse painful. Low estrogen levels may also leave you more vulnerable to urinary or vaginal infections. Loss of tissue tone may contribute to urinary incontinence. * Decreasing …

How Do I know If Changes in My Periods Are Normal Perimenopausal Symptoms or Something to Be Concerned About? perimenopausalbleeding.mymenopauseonline.com Irregular periods are common and normal during perimenopause. But, other conditions can cause abnormalities in menstrual bleeding. If any of the following situations apply to you, see a doctor to rule out other causes: * Your periods are very heavy, or accompanied by blood clots. * Your periods last several days longer than usual. * You spot between periods. * You experience spotting after sex. * Your periods occur closer together. Potential causes of abnormal bleeding include hormonal imbalances, birth control pills, pregnancy, fibroids, blood clotting problems or, rarely, cancer. How Is Perimenopause Diagnosed? Often your doctor can make the diagnosis of perimenopause based on your symptoms. Blood tests to check hormone levels may also be beneficial but may be difficult to evaluate due to erratic fluctuations of hormones during this period. It may be more helpful to have several tests done at different times for comparison. Can I Get Pregnant If I Am Perimenopausal? Yes. Despite a decline in fertility during the perimenopause stage, you can still become pregnant. If you do not want to become pregnant, you should continue to use some form of birth control until you reach menopause (meaning you have gone 12 months without having your period). For some women, getting pregnant can be difficult once they are in their late …