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Perimenopause Symptoms: Know What To Expect

As women enter their 50’s they often anticipate the transition into menopause. This transition time is better known as perimenopause. Perimenopause typically begins when a women is around 45 years old and can last until they reach 55 years old.

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Describing Perimenopause symptoms

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, while a woman goes through this transition her ovaries will produce less estrogen. The decrease in estrogen and other body changes happen slowly over time.

If you are in your 40’s it is important to understand the symptoms of perimenopause and how this transitional time will affect your body and your life.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Irregular Menstruation – When you have entered perimenopause you may find that your periods fluctuate in frequency and flow. In the early stages of perimenopause your cycle may see a change of about 7 days. However once you are in late perimenopause you can go 3 months between periods. Irregular menstruation is a result of ovulation that becomes unpredictable, or even doesn’t occur.

Decreased Fertility – When your ovulation becomes irregular it will become more difficult to conceive. However it is important to note that as long as you still have a period you can become pregnant so if pregnancy is not wanted it is important to find a birth control that works for you.

Hot Flashes – Hot flashes are a well-known symptom of menopause, however they actually start in perimenopause. According to ACOG 75% of menopausal women in the United States will experience hot flashes. Hot flashes can be a challenging symptom and sometimes interfere with sleep patterns because they can wake you up out of a deep sleep.

Mood Swings – Some women experience irritability during perimenopause. These moods swings are sometimes associated with a change in hormone levels. This can lead to depression so it is important to speak candidly with your obstetrics and gynecology provider about your symptoms. Another reason for mood swings during this time is the lack of sleep some women experience.

Premenstrual Syndrome actually increases in the 40’s. Talk to you Chicago OBGYN provider if this is a problem.

Bone Loss – A major symptom of perimenopause is the loss of estrogen. When estrogen levels drop you are at a higher risk for osteoporosis because bone loss increases. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures especially in the hip, wrist and spine.

Heat Attack and Stroke – Estrogen protects you from heart attacks and stroke. This means that when your estrogen levels go down you are less protected and your risk of heart attack and stroke increases.

Decreased Sex Drive – Decreased hormone rates can result in a lower sex drive in perimenopausal women. And according to ACOG women going through menopause may take longer to reach orgasm.

These are all symptoms that are a pre-cursor to menopause but it’s important to note that many of them continue after a woman has entered menopause.

If you think you have entered into perimenopause, schedule an appointment with your obstetrics and gynecology provider today. You can discuss your current symptoms while preparing for the next stage of the transition. Menopause can be a stressful time in a women’s life. You do not need to go through it alone! Your Chicago OBGYN will be with you every step of the way! At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates you can schedule an appointment with a gynecologist in Chicago right on our website or call and speak with a member of our team, 1-312-440-9400.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as medical advice. Northwestern Women’s Health Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

 

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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