Perimenopause (otherwise known as early menopause or premenopause) is the name given to the seven to 10 years preceding menopause. Here is a checklist to help you determine if you are in this stage of life. If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, you may be in early menopause.
Do you have heavy, irregular periods?
Are you retaining fluids?
Have you gained more than 10 pounds?
Are you experiencing sleep difficulties?
Are you having headaches?
Do you have bouts of brain fogforgetting your friend’s first name, where you put your car keys, or the point of a text you recently studied?
Have you recently discovered cysts in your breasts?
Have you been told you have fibroid tumors?
Have symptoms from endometriosis worsened?
Are you over age 35?
Do you suffer from premenstrual anxiety, irritability, and mood swings?
Do you have a decreased interest in sex?