What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the stage of a woman’s reproductive life that begins 8 to 10 years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the decrease in estrogen accelerates. At this stage, many women experience menopausal symptoms.
What is menopause?
Menopause is period of time when a woman stops having her monthly period and experiences symptoms related to the lack of estrogen production. By definition, a woman is in menopause after her periods have stopped for one year. It is a normal part of aging and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Menopause typically occurs in a woman's late 40s to early 50s. However, women who have their ovaries surgically removed undergo "sudden" menopause.
The drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause triggers physical as well as emotional changes -- such as depression or anxiety and changes in memory. Like any other point in a woman’s life, there is a relationship between hormone levels and physical and emotional symptoms. Some physical changes include irregular or skipped periods, heavier or lighter periods, and hot flashes.
Coping with the symptoms of menopause
There are many other ways you can ease menopause symptoms and maintain your health. In general, these tips include ways to cope with mood swings, fears, and depression:
- Find a self-calming skill to practice such as yoga, meditation, or slow, deep breathing.
- Avoid tranquilizers.
- Engage in a creative outlet or hobby that fosters a sense of achievement.
- Stay connected with your family and community; nurture your friendships.
- Seek emotional support from friends, family members, or a professional counselor when needed.
- Take steps to stay cool during hot flashes, such as wearing loose clothing.
- Keep your bedroom cool to prevent night sweats and disturbed sleep.
- Take medicines, vitamins, and minerals as prescribed by your doctor.
- Eat healthfully and exercise regularly.
What are my options for treating depression during this phase of my life?
- Your doctor will try to exclude any medical causes for your depression, such as thyroid problems.
- Depression during perimenopause and menopause is treated in much the same way as depression that strikes at any other time; however, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that estrogen replacement can provide relief of minor physical and emotional symptoms, as well as prevent osteoporosis. However, there may be a slight increase in breast cancer and blood clots. However, hormone replacement therapy alone is not effective in treating more severe depression. Antidepressant drug therapy and/or psychotherapy may be necessary.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, be sure to talk to your doctor about finding a treatment that will work for you.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 2/1/2005
