What Are the Common Pre Menopause Symptoms?

Pre menopause symptoms can occur in women from the age of thirty five to forty five. However, on the average, the symptoms happen at the age of forty. Pre menopause symptoms are scientifically known as perimenopause symptoms. During this stage, when the symptoms are coming out, the ovaries progressively stop producing estrogen and progesterone. Studies show that Asian women suffer less from the symptoms of pre menopause. On the other hand, women in Western cultures are more prone to experiencing the symptoms. Menopause, on the average, appears at the age of 51.

Women experiencing pre menopause symptoms may start to have irregular periods lasting from four years up to ten years. This is the first sign of menopause. There would be times when one can have a heavy flow. At other times, it can be lighter and shorter. However, this does not mean that women will stop from having monthly menstrual cycle instantly. Changes in menstrual cycle before it really stops are a natural occurrence as women go through pre menopause symptoms.

Aside from menstrual irregularities, other common pre menopause symptoms that occur on most women are listed here:

1. Hot Flashes – A sudden rush of heat in the upper body is called hot flashes. This is a result of the body’s reaction to a decreased supply of estrogen, which is a natural process as women approach menopause. This can be very uncomfortable at times because of severe heat in the body.

2. Night Sweats – This is actually hot flashes occurring at night. The face and body may flush heavy sweats and cold shivering may be felt. This is actually a common perspiration disorder that happens while you sleep.

3. Emotional changes – Mood swings are inevitable during the pre menopausal stage. Aside from the fact that occurrence of pre menopause symptoms are signs of getting older, some women tend to become bothered as they go through the symptoms of perimenopause. Changes in hormone levels are also associated with irritability and depression.

4. Disorientation or Mental Confusion – Women experiencing the signs of pre menopause might often wonder how come they become so forgetful. At times, concentrating over one thing is hard as well. Disturbing memory lapses can be at times momentary memory lapses. This condition is associated with low levels of estrogen that gives out high level of stress to the mind and body.

5. Panic Disorder – This feeling is often caused by physical and psychological conditions. The frequency of overwhelming fear and anxiety can range from single occurrence to recurring episodes. Women also have mixed emotions towards pre menopausal symptoms because of the fact that it shows aging.

6. Fatigue – A consistent feeling of tiredness and weakness is a common symptom of menopause. Women may experience at times a very low level of energy and an urge to just sleep.

7. Trouble in Sleeping – Since hot flashes and night sweats can occur at times, it can disturb sleep. However, some women actually begin to experience less time in the phase of deep sleep that is also why they feel tired and weak at certain times.

8. Hair Loss – This can be a sudden or gradual occurrence in some women. The hair becomes thinner, especially on the head. But this can also happen on the other parts of the body. This is attributed to the deficiency of estrogen, since hair needs estrogen.

9. Dizziness – This is characterized by a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Women may suffer from sudden dizziness at times especially when standing and walking.

10. Weight Gain – While some studies suggests that weight gain among middle aged women is not a pre menopause symptom, many women are observed to gain weight as they are on their pre menopausal stage. Some doctors say that weight gain occurs in menopausal women because as they age, their metabolism slows down.

11. Headaches – Most women experience severe headaches just before their monthly periods. These are often referred to as “menstrual migraines”, caused by dropping levels of estrogen in the body. Sever and recurring headaches must be treated as it may be caused by other factors other than loss of estrogen.

12. Muscle Pains – Muscle problems, as well as aching joints often occur to women in menopausal stage. These pains may be related to immune system effects as the hormone levels fluctuate. Sever muscle and joint pains, accompanied with high fever, on the side, must be treated and consulted by a doctor.

13. Breast Pain – Pain and tenderness in breasts are often felt before menstrual cycle. However, this can be experienced also during pre menopausal period.

14. Itchy Skin – Women suffering from pre menopausal symptoms deal with itchy and dry skin. This happens because the collagen, which is responsible for healthy skin, slows down as the estrogen levels drop. As a result, skin looks drier and flakier.

15. Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disorder where the bone weakens. Menopausal women are then more prone to bone weakening because of low estrogen level. The calcium absorption of the body decreases, making it hard for the bones to regenerate.

In case some symptoms seem to be unusual than the normal and can be severe over time, never hesitate to consult a doctor or gynecologist to address your health concerns immediately. Although these symptoms are mostly because of menopausal stage, there may be other causes that can trigger these symptoms. It always better to be careful with your health especially when you age. Women who are in menopausal phase are recommended to take supplements and essential vitamins to support the body.

Pre menopause symptoms should be given attention in order to avoid further complications. Women in their midlife must be able to cope very well with these natural transitions that will soon take over. Though it may seem difficult and frightening at times, the best way to approach these changes is embracing them with a positive attitude. A positive attitude can be of great help which will reflect not only in emotional state, but also in physical condition. Staying fit and healthy is also very essential in order to address the body’s needs as it age.