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What is Pre-Menopause?

The broad definition of pre-menopause is the entire time prior to menopause. To understand this you must first know what menopause really is. Menopause is when your body quits producing eggs and you know longer have a period. So, we usually think of pre-menopause as the time just prior to menopause or to early menopause. Many health professionals do not want to use the term pre-menopause as they claim that this time would also include all the child bearing years. They prefer to use the term perimenopause. But, how many of us can even pronounce it, let alone spell this term?

Now, that we understand we are talking about early menopause or the time period just before menopause we can learn more about what the term really means. Early menopause would be when a woman begins to have signs or symptoms of menopause prior to the average age. The average or normal range for a woman to experience the signs of beginning menopause is around age 40. There are many women that go through early menopause and there is no proven reason as to why this occurs, except in the case of surgery or chemotherapy treatments.

The time just prior to menopause would be the time that would include all of the signs and symptoms that every woman associates with menopause. This time can be from 2 years to 6 years. There is no pre-set time on the length of pre-menopause, just like there is not set length of labor. Every woman is different and will experience pre-menopause differently.

So, when you want to find information on pre-menopause it will be best to look for information on menopause alone and then search the website for the information you need. If you are seeking information on the signs and symptoms that are just prior to menopause then you can find them very easily by typing in the symptom in a search engine.

Pre-menopause would be the time when you begin to have signs and symptoms that show you are on your way to menopause. This is the time when you will begin to experience irregular periods, mood swings, irritability and other signs. All of these symptoms are from the hormonal levels in your body decreasing. During this time your bone density will also decrease.

During pre-menopause you should talk with your physician about any concerns that you may have with any of the symptoms and ways to ease the discomfort. It would also be a great time to ask your doctor if increasing certain vitamins and starting an exercise program is right for you. You will find that there are many products available to help with the uncomfortable feelings that your body is going through, so ask your health care provider about that, too. And learning to eat right and maintain an exercise program is a great way to help with some of the aches and pains associated with menopause and the aging process, but always consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen or diet, or prior to seeking relief to any symptoms you may be feeling. Always depend upon your doctor to diagnose your condition, do not try to do it yourself. The information on this website is not intended for use as a substitute for a physician. Please consult your health worker.