What's Normal?
During perimenopause women are often most engaged in work or vocation or may
be just getting back to full time work after childcare years. Many changes in
relationships, home life and the needs of parents characterize women’s mid-life.
Perimenopause lasts from six to 10 years for most women. This stage begins
gradually during regular cycles and ends when a year has passed since the final
menstrual period. The onset of perimenopause is different for different women
but is characterized by cycles that become closer together. Approximately 25%
will begin to have night sweats. An unknown percentage of women with regular
cycles will have increased breast tenderness and enlargement. About 20-30% will
have abnormally heavy flow for one or more cycles. Most women experience some
middle of the night sleep disturbances, mood swings and less ability to predict
flow. Some women will experience nausea, new or recurrent and severe migraine
headaches, weight gain and palpitations.
