Questions & Answers : perimenopause

Perimenopause side effects

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:42:00 GMT

Question:

I'm 51. I have always had regular periods – every 28 days. This year, I skipped a period in March. I then got my period [every month] from April to June. I have not received my period since. I know that I am going through my changes. I have been getting hot flashes.

Lately, I have been feeling breathless and my chest hurts. I had a physical and was told that my heart is fine. I would like to know if feeling breathless is another sign of menopause.

Bernice

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Answer:

The feelings you are describing sound like they are within the range of normal perimenopause side effects. That said, chest pains should never be casually dismissed. It would be a good idea for you to have another checkup and confirm that what you are experiencing is related to the approach of menopause.

When will I be finished menopause?

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:37:00 GMT

Question:

When are you completely finished with menopause?

Name withheld

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Answer:

A good rule of thumb is 24 months after your last period, but it varies.

How long will this last?

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:36:00 GMT

Question:

How long does menopause last?

Lucy

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Answer:

Perimenopause can last six years or more. Actual menopause is simply the exact point at which the ovaries stop producing eggs, generally determined by going 12 months without experiencing a period, after which perimenopause may continue for another year, give or take.

Menopause and cognitive decline

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:32:00 GMT

Question:

I am 55 years old and feel that I am experiencing some degree of cognitive decline, loss of initiative, and some degree of apathy. Will this go away? What can I do?

Name withheld

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Answer:

You’ve asked a lot in three short sentences. Your feelings could be related to menopause, but they could also have other sources, including psychiatric, social and lifestyle. There are lots of things you can do: see a doctor and find out if there’s a medical answer; eat better, exercise, get to bed earlier, quit smoking and cut back on alcohol; join a club, start a new hobby, set goals for next week, next season and next year; challenge your brain by taking a university class, learning a new language, starting to play a musical instrument. And lastly, identify sources of dissatisfaction in your life, and work to resolve them. Don’t let apathy hold you back: apathy is a state of mind; you can be mentally apathetic but still physically active; by forcing yourself to take action, regardless of your mental state, you may find that your mind eventually takes pleasure in what you force yourself to do. One thing is clear: if you feel stalled, adding new input into the equation is a good way to prompt a positive change; so stop recycling the same negative thought patterns and, instead, see what happens when you go for a bike ride, head out to the movies, or read a book on a subject you’ve never thought about before. Don’t let inertia win. Do something even if you don’t want to do something.

Low sex drive and depression

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:31:00 GMT

Question:

My wife is almost 48. She is in great physical condition. We had a great relationship until a few months ago. She says she has not started menopause yet and won't for a few more years. However, she seems to be having multiple periods and also seems depressed. Her sex drive seems, at least to me, to be a lot lower. She seems more intolerant of me, et cetera. Could she be going into menopause?

Neil

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Answer:

Yes. The symptoms you are describing are common in women experiencing perimenopause, which is the period that precedes menopause by as much as five years, and can follow menopause for another year.

Do I need to practice safe sex?

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:29:00 GMT

Question:

I have not had a period for 22 months. Do I need to worry about contraception?

Name withheld

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Answer:

Probably not. Generally, you are said to have passed menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 months. That said, unlikely incidents do occasionally occur. The only way to know absolutely is to have a checkup.

Am I in perimenopause?

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:27:00 GMT

Question:

I am 43 and I’m going through menopause (my doctor did a blood test and said that I was). I have not had a period for four months now and just recently had a period. Is that normal?

Name withheld

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Answer:

Irregular periods are a typical manifestation of perimenopause.

Burning eyes

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:23:00 GMT

Question:

I have been menopausal for many years, with all of the symptoms. But the one I am concerned about right now is that my eyes are always burning, feeling sore, sometimes gritty. I asked the optometrist about it and he gave me eye drops which really did not help.

Gayle

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Answer:

What you are describing sounds like a normal side effect of menopause. There are treatments for the condition. Tell your optometrist that the drops aren’t helping. If s/he doesn’t come up with a better solution, contact your MD or make an appointment with an ophthalmologist (an eye specialist).

Intense hot flashes

Editor — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 14:22:00 GMT

Question:

I'm 36. I am experiencing some rather intense hot flashes. At least, I think they are hot flashes. My face and chest area is on fire a lot of the time, and I can't seem to find relief. They last almost all day and night. I had a partial hysterectomy three years ago and I think it has sent me into menopause. I am experiencing a lot of anxiety as well, because the burning on my face and inside my chest is worrying me. Is this a normal symptom of menopause for some women? I also have the fuzzy thinking thing going on. I just want to know if I'm okay or if I should see a doctor. I can't afford to go unless it's absolutely necessary

Name withheld

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Answer:

You’ve put us in a tough spot. Our baseline advice is always: See your doctor. The symptoms you’ve mentioned are consistent with perimenopause. But when it comes to health, there are a multitude of variables. While we don’t see any cause for immediate concern, that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. We appreciate your financial limitations; is there a health clinic you can go to for a reduced-rate checkup?

Editor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:02:00 GMT

Question:

I have a sensation of buzzing in the pubic area. It’s like a cell phone set to vibrate. It occurs every two or three seconds, and has been going on like this for over 24 hours. Have you ever heard of this?

Cheryl

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Answer:

It sounds like it could be formication, which is a bothersome skin sensation. It’s tough to know for sure, though. If it is formication, hormone therapy or antihistamines may help. Report it to your doctor and see what s/he says.