Menopause begins gradually and often starts with perimenopause, the stage before your final period. The transition can last several years, and symptoms vary from person to person. During this stage, your hormone levels shift, and your body may respond in new ways. Contact your OBGYN when symptoms affect your health or routine.
Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle
Irregular periods often occur during perimenopause. Your cycle may become shorter or longer, and your flow will become lighter or heavier. Periods may also start closer together or skip months at a time. Some women also pass small clots or notice spotting between periods. Your body adjusts over time. You should call your OBGYN if you soak through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours. Bleeding after sex needs review, and so does bleeding between periods. If you have gone 12 months without a period, any new bleeding needs an exam. Schedule one soon. Each time, record:
- The start and end dates of each period
- The amount of flow
- Any spotting between periods
- Pain or cramping
- Any clotting
Symptoms That Affect Sleep
Hot flashes and night sweats can interrupt sleep, and poor sleep affects how you feel during the day. Many women notice lower energy during perimenopause, and some notice changes in mood or focus. Sleep loss can also make daytime tasks harder. It may affect your ability to concentrate at work. You may wake several times a night due to night sweats. This pattern can build over time. You will notice increased irritability, mild sadness, or a shorter attention span. These changes can affect your relationships, and they change your daily routine.
You should report ongoing sadness, anxiety, or irritability. These symptoms need evaluation. If symptoms make work or rest difficult, you should schedule a visit. Your OBGYN will review your history, so bring a list of symptoms. Fatigue during perimenopause can also stem from disrupted sleep cycles. Some women notice that they feel tired even after a full night’s rest. Keeping a brief daily log of your sleep and energy levels can help your OBGYN identify patterns.
Discomfort During Intimacy
They may develop slowly over months or years. You may not notice them right away. You may notice dryness or itching, or you will feel pain during sex. This symptom is worth reporting to your OBGYN. Others feel a sudden urge to urinate. A burning sensation during urination is also possible, even without an infection present. If these symptoms continue for several weeks, you should contact your OBGYN. You can describe them in detail. Keeping a brief record of your symptoms can help your OBGYN assess the pattern. Note when symptoms occur, how often they happen, and whether anything makes them better or worse. If discomfort during sex is affecting your relationship or your well-being, include that in your notes as well.
Schedule Your OBGYN Visit Today
You do not need to wait for severe symptoms. Write down your symptoms before the visit, and list your current medications. Bring questions about hormone therapy treatments or other options you have read about. When you share this information, your OBGYN can assess your stage. Regular visits help your OBGYN track changes, so you should keep follow-up appointments. Contact your OBGYN’s office today to schedule an appointment.
