Night sweats and hot flashes in your 30s or 40s? It could be Perimenopause.

In partnership with the Calgary Health Foundation’s Women’s Health Series

Some woman may not know this, but before you reach menopause you go through perimenopause.  Perimenopause refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause.  It typically starts sometime in your 40s but some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s. The levels of estrogen in your body rises and falls unevenly during perimenopause which can cause a whole range of symptoms.

So what are the symptoms of perimenopause?  Throughout the menopausal transition, some subtle and not-so-subtle changes in your body take place. You may experience:

• Hot flashes and sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Vaginal and bladder problems
• Decreasing fertility
• Changes in sexual function
• Loss of bone density
• Changing cholesterol levels

The symptoms associated with perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years but don’t fret – perimenopause is a natural progression that all women go through and there are many things you can do to help ease symptoms and maintain your quality of life.  See your doctor to develop a plan that’s right for you.

To find out more about perimenopause and what follows, menopause, join the free virtual health webinar with the Calgary Health Foundation on June 17^th.   Lead by Dr. Fiona Mattatall, prepare for some real talk about the hot flashes, the sleepless nights and everything in between.  Register now at CalgaryHealthFoundation.ca/women