Signs of Premenopausal Stage

For a woman who doesn't have any dysfunction relating to the reproductive system, a woman has a fixed number of eggs that is released every month waiting to be fertilized, once the woman steps into her reproductive years. When the egg doesn't get fertilized by a sperm, menstruation happens. The day of menstruation differs in different women, though as a rule of the thumb, a normal menstrual cycle comes once every month.

The fixed number of eggs in the woman's ovaries starting from 2 million during fetal life will consistently decrease until she reaches middle age when she ceases to menstruate. Menstruation for it to be considered official should be the cessation of menstrual periods in the span of a year or 12 months; given that the woman is suffering from no other condition causing the delay or cessation of her menstrual period. The eggs stored in the woman's ovaries are also the once responsible for triggering the normal hormonal content of her body. Thus, it is the reason for women to complain about so many things when their menstruation stops during menopause.

Pre menopausal period is the prelude to an impending cessation in the reproductive years of a formerly reproductive woman. Starting from the menarche or the first menstruation, the woman will eventually be faced with the fact that with decreased number of eggs on her ovaries, she will notice some changes on her body. The primary reason for such changes in a person's body is the fact that hormones are now altered because of the fact that the eggs in the ovaries are running low in number. This is the reason why some physicians would actually recommend the start of hormonal treatment for women who are nearing their middle age. Hormone therapy is used to provide alternative to the hormones supposedly provided by the presence of the eggs.

To guide the women who are facing their 40s, 50s even their late 30s, here are some symptoms that may guide you in determining pre menopause. And remember that all these symptoms may also occur in different conditions, thus, always consult with your physician.

1. Changes in Periods- If you have a 30 day cycle period during your early years, changes may appear in the way they arrive at your expected date. These are the times when you will actually be missing dates. With missed periods, this is one of the strong signs that menopause is just around the corner.

2. Hot Flashes or Hot Flushes- Another strong sign of impending menopause is hot flushes. This occurs when a woman experiences night sweats and feeling of warmth radiating on her face. This is primarily caused by the difference in the estrogen level compared to her early reproductive years.

3. Mood Changes- With hormones changing, it is a must for a woman to understand that mood swings are actually effects of these hormones. There could also be associated depression and unexplained anxiety.

4. Vaginal Dryness- With a woman's body running low in estrogen, it is understandable that there will be difference in the way a woman's external reproductive system functions compared to previous years. This prompts painful intercourse with partner but could be remedied by water based lubricants.

5. Decrease in Libido- Our sex drive is based on our very own hormones. Without the hormones that make us want to reproduce; there will consequently be a decrease in a woman's craving for intercourse.

6. Weight Gain- This is a symptom that accompanies with the woman's age. Being menopause and having a lowered metabolism will eventually make women gain weight, thus, strict adherence to healthy living and diet is recommended.