Menopause is something that every woman will go through. On average, a woman is around the age of 52 when menopause hits.
However, there are some women who experience perimenopause, which is the transition period that occurs before menopause, as early as their mid thirties to early forties.
This is the natural progression of a woman’s body to reach permanent infertility.
As a woman in your thirties or early forties, chances are you have been following a monthly routine with very little changes for several years now. Then, you suddenly have a period that is late.
You may first think that you are pregnant and even take a pregnancy test. It comes back negative and eventually your period comes.
So, what is going on? This may be a sign that menopause is starting. Perimenopause is the transition period before full menopause takes place. It is during this time that many women experience several symptoms as her body is changing and different hormones are being produced at different rates.
Here are 10 signs that likely mean that you are going through perimenopause or reaching menopause.
1. Irregular Periods
As mentioned, one of the first signs that you are going through perimenopause or menopause is that your periods will become irregular. As your body is changing, the hormones that affect your body releasing an egg each month change as well. This can mean that your period may be longer or shorter during the month, or you could even miss a period for one or two months. If you do not have a period for more than 3 months or if you are experiencing extremely heavy periods accompanied by being extremely tired or breathless, should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you are under the age of 40.
