What You Need to Know

Remember, irregular bleeding could also be a symptom of abnormalities in your menstrual cycle. So, how would you know, if you have entered a normal perimenopausal phase, or whether you actually have a problem?

If all of these symptoms coincide with your irregular bleeding pattern, then you know you have a problem. You should consult your gynaecologist immediately.

• Mid-cycle spotting
• Heavy flow
• Clots along with the flow
• Painful sex as well as spotting after sex

Remember, these symptoms, along with irregular bleeding can be a sign of fibroids, pregnancy and birth control or hormonal problems. So make sure you get yourself checked.

What to Expect

Remember, at this stage, your ovaries have just begun to produce lesser eggs. Hence, the irregular menstrual cycle. Apart from irregular bleeding, there are other symptoms that signal the onset of perimenopause.

Hot Flashes

According to Gynaecologist Dr. Anita Soni, hot flashes are quite common among women who are experiencing perimenopause. During hot flashes, here is what you should expect. " You will feel a sudden rush of heat, even though it is not hot.

• You will start sweating profusely.
• Your skin will turn reddish-pink and you will look like you have come in from a sunny environment.
• You could also experience chills.

Apart from that, here's what you can expect at the onset of perimenopause.

• Your interest in sex will decrease
• You will go through strong mood swings
• You will also experience vaginal dryness
• Urinary incontinence (that's when you cannot control the need to pass urine)
• Fatigue and tiredness

When to Expect

While in a usual scenario, perimenopause starts during your early 40s, it could even start off during your early thirties.

According to Dr. Soni, a perimenopausal phase usually has duration of about 3-4 months and could stretch to about a year before menopause begins. However, new researches are claiming that perimenopause can extend to as long as 5-10 years before the onset of menopause.

What Can You Do?

Remember, once you stop getting your periods for a period of a year, you have menopaused. During perimenopause, you can implement special care tips as a means to prepare yourself for menopause.

Dr. Soni advises, "Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, incorporate a lot of Soya in your daily diet. Soya helps reduce the symptoms of hot flashes and other characteristics of perimenopause. Apart from that, a healthy, low carbohydrate and protein diet is advised. Also, make sure you exercise for at least 30 minutes a day."