Due to decreased ovarian function, menopause appears. It is a physiologic cessation of menstruation and it is manifesting in woman’s midlife. Before menopause, there is a period that can last for several years and one year after the menopause stops, and that is perimenopause. Clinical diagnosis is the absence of menstruation for one year.
When the changes begin
Menstrual circle changes usually begin during a woman’s 40s when cycle length begin to vary. A constant difference in consecutive period cycle length of seven days and more is an early menopausal transition. When you skip two or more cycles, that is defined as the late menopausal transition.
The variations in estrogen levels can contribute to perimenopausal symptoms such as changes in menstrual flow, moodiness, breast tenderness or aggravation of menstrual migraines.
For diagnosis, you will probably need to do some tests, which will show your changes in hormone levels. Perimenopause is likely present, if the woman is in the appropriate age and has some of the symptoms of menopause. One of the examinations that can confirm the menopause is the pelvic examination, where the doctor is checking for vulvovaginal atrophy.
Check your symptoms with your doctor
Checking the levels of the FSH hormone can also help to diagnose the menopause, but that is rarely necessary, except in women who have had a hysterectomy, and in women who are not supposed to be in menopause because they are younger. If the level of this hormone is consistently elevated, that will show the menopause.
These checks you can do in specialized clinics such as menopause clinic – Australian Menopause Centre, where you will get valuable advice, and you can ask the specialist everything you want to know about the menopause. After the examination and diagnosis, your doctor will talk to you about possible treatments, which will ease your menopause symptoms.
As is for the postmenopause, the women should be screened for osteoporosis, especially those who have a high risk of fractures, those who have a history of eating disorders, gastric bypass surgery, Crohn disease, corticosteroid use, malabsorption syndrome and all women who are 65 years or older.
There is no rule for how long perimenopause or menopause will last, but approximately, it can last from a couple of years to even 10 years. During this period you will experience menopause symptoms such as headaches, mood changes, night sweats, hot flushes, dry skin and hair, vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy. Also, you could easy gain weight, because the metabolism is getting slower.
To inform more about menopause changes you can check https://www.menopausecentre.com.au/menopause-clinic-melbourne/ where you can also make an appointment and have a consultation about your symptoms and what to expect during perimenopause and menopause.
Final word
Sometimes, a woman is not sure if the signs and symptoms that she is having are due to menopause. If you are in your late 40s and your period is different or it’s missing, you are probably entering the perimenopause, but make sure that everything is fine with your health and visit your doctor.