Perimenopause Symptoms FAQ Define perimenopause? For what duration does perimenopause last? I've been depressed in the past. Will this really going to effect when I face perimenopause? What are the expectations while going through perimenopause? I didnt found any reasons of getting hot flashes. Could you please make me aware of the effects of this? I am feeling so emotional lately. Is this from the changes in my hormones? How one can get relieved from the symptoms of perimenopause? I'm going through perimenopause right now. My period is very heavy, and I'm bleeding after sex. Is this normal? Can I get pregnant while in perimenopause? Define perimenopause? Perimenopause can be defined as a period of 12 months when women have not had her periods. Its the time which leads upto menopause.During perimenopause women lose the ability to get pregnant and there is also a loss of certain harmones like estrogen and progesterone in the body. For what duration does premenopause lasts? There is no specific duration. It keeps on varying.A normal age considered to be is between 45 and 55. Many women face menopause at the age 51. Premenopause starts at the age of 35. It last for just few months or even for few years. There is no such way to tell in advance that for how long will it lasts. I've been depressed in the past. Will this really going to affect when I face perimenopause? Yes, it can. Researchers are gaining some information on this. What are the expectations while going through perimenopause? Following are some symptoms which women usually face while going through perimenopause: sleep problems urinary incontinence vaginal dryness night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep) hot flashes (sudden rush of heat from your chest to your head) mood changes (mood swings, depression, irritability) changes in your menstrual cycle (longer or shorter periods, heavier or lighter periods, or missed periods) pain during sex more urinary infections problems with concentration and memory less interest in sex increase in body fat around your waist I didn't found any reasons of getting hot flashes. Could you please make me aware of the effects of this? Exactly it is not known what is the actual cause of hot flashes. Drop in estrogen and change in another harmone could be the reason. During hot flash there is a sudden rush of heat which moves from your chest to head. Sometimes hot flashes arises due to hot weather, intake of spicy food, alchohol and caffeine. These things must be avoided. I am feeling so emotional lately. Is this from the changes in my hormones? Mood can swing due to lot of factors. According to some researchers your mood gets changed due to decrease in estrogen. this decrease will bring changes in your brain that leads to dipression. Other reasons could be sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue-not hormonal changes.Or it could also be a combination of harmonal imbalance and symptoms. Some more depression causing areas are: having depression during your lifetime smoking not having the social support you need increased stress having severe menopause symptoms feeling negative about menopause and getting older low self-esteem (how you feel about yourself) regretful that you can't have children anymore not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship not having a job not having enough money not being physically active How one can get relieved from the symptoms of perimenopause? Keep a small record of your symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. This will help you in figuring out the changes u are going through. Prepare a record of your menstrual cycle. Record should include flow of period, whether its heavy, normal or light. Find a physical activity that you'll enjoy doing. Dress in layers. Try to figure out if certain triggers cause hot flashes, like spicy foods or being outside in the heat. Avoid these things. Talk to your friends who are in perimenopause or menopause. Most likely, they're going through the same things you are! Do something new — volunteer or take a class. Use a vaginal lubricant for dryness and pain during sex. Keep your body mass index (BMI) at a normal level. Figure out your BMI by going to www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm. Talk with your doctor if you feel depressed or have any other questions about how to relieve your symptoms. I'm going through perimenopause right now. My period is very heavy, and I'm bleeding after sex. Is this normal? Yes, irregular periods are common and normal during perimenopause. But menopause or perimenopuase is not the only reason of heavy bleeding, there could some other reasons also. Consult your doctor if you face any of the following problems: the bleeding is very heavy or comes with clots you're bleeding from the vagina after sex you have spotting or bleeding between periods the bleeding lasts longer than 7 days Can I get pregnant while in perimenopause? Yes ofcourse, if you are still having periods then you can get pregnant. Regarding the opinions of birth control, do consult your doctor. Mind it that birth control pills, shots, implants are not going to protect you from STDs or HIV. Use of latex condom or dental dam must be there to prevent the risk of HIV. Though they dont privide complete protection, but appropriate and consistent use can help you from STDs.