Navigate the Change of Menopause
Many women think menopause is something that happens overnight. In reality, it's a process that begins when a women's ovarian function slows down, around the age of 51. A woman officially reaches menopause when her period has stopped for 12 months in a row. However, it's often the years leading up to menopause, called the "menopasual transition," that cause the most significant changes.
Perimenopause is sometimes called the menopause transition. It happens in the months or years before menopause. It may begin when you reach your mid-40s. During this time, your estrogen levels go up and down and then decrease. As a result, you may notice some of these symptoms:
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Menstrual periods that come more or less often than normal
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Menstrual periods that are lighter or heavier than normal
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Increased premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
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Hot flashes
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Night sweats
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Mood swings
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Vaginal dryness with possible pain during sex
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Trouble going to sleep or staying asleep
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Decreased sexual drive and function
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Urinating frequently
Hear more from obstetrician and gynecologist, Ashley Dupuis, DO, as she discusses the early years transitioning up to menopause, what to expect, and specific symptoms like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods and more.