Khaberni - The years that precede menopause are called "perimenopause" or "menopause transition" (Perimenopause). In this stage, hormones, especially estrogen, begin to fluctuate, resulting in changes in the cycle and varying degrees of physical and psychological symptoms. The stage officially ends when 12 consecutive months have passed without a menstrual period.
Menstrual Cycle Changes.. The Most Common Sign
What many women first notice is a change in their cycle pattern: irregular timing, increased or decreased bleeding, cycles coming closer together or farther apart, or skipping a complete cycle. These changes occur because ovulation may become irregular.
Although menstrual disruption is an important sign, health guidelines and resources indicate that symptoms can begin "years before the cycle stops" and may continue afterward.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: A Key Symptom
Hot flashes (Hot flashes) and night sweats are among the most common symptoms of approaching menopause and can directly affect sleep and energy levels during the day.
On the research level, data from the Woman's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) study show that between 60% and 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms (symptoms related to body temperature regulation), the most prominent being hot flashes, during the transition phase, and these symptoms often peak in the late perimenopause and early postmenopause stages.
Results published from SWAN also show a strong correlation between transitioning to the "later" stages of perimenopause and an increased likelihood of reporting these symptoms compared to earlier stages.
Sleep Disorders and Fatigue
Some women may experience sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep or frequent wakening during the night, often linked to night sweats, although insomnia can sometimes occur without clear hot flashes. This disruption in sleep leads to a persistent feeling of fatigue and a decline in the ability to concentrate during the day.
Mood and Concentration Changes
The psychological and neurological symptoms include: mood swings, anxiety, low mood, and temporary decline in focus or memory, sometimes described as brain fog or mental confusion ("Brain fog").
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that mood symptoms in the perimenopausal stage are not uncommon; it mentions that about four out of ten women may experience mood changes similar to premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
Urinary and Reproductive System Symptoms
Decreased estrogen levels and their fluctuation may cause vaginal dryness, occasionally accompanied by pain or local irritation, and some women may experience increased urgency or frequency of urination during this stage.
Joint and Muscle Pain
Health sources indicate that the transition phase may be accompanied in some women by pain or discomfort in the joints and muscles, in addition to headaches or palpitations. The severity of these symptoms varies significantly from one woman to another, being either limited and temporary or more severe affecting daily performance, relationships, and quality of life.
When do Symptoms Become an "Alarm Bell" and Require Medical Consultation?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if the bleeding is unusually heavy or occurs between cycles, or if the symptoms are accompanied by severe depression, persistent insomnia, frequent palpitations, or when hot flashes become an obstacle to everyday life. These indicators do not necessarily mean there is a health risk, but they require a medical evaluation to exclude other causes and determine an appropriate follow-up and support plan.
