Menopause is a natural occurrence that all women will experience in their life. It is the point when their body does not menstruate any longer. The child birthing days are in their past at this point. Did you know that there are signs that you are heading into menopause? It is called perimenopause.

Perimenopause basically is signs that your body is giving you that things are starting to change. Your progesterone levels and estrogen levels begin to decline. During this time, you might feel very irritable and moody while your body begins the adjustment. Doctors consider you to be in full menopause after your body has not had a period in a space of 12 months.

Here are some signs to look for if you think that you have begun perimenopause:

• Hot flashes: when people think of menopause, the first related condition that comes to mind are hot flashes. These can range from a mild heat flash to full-out sweating and burning up. They can be very uncomfortable and strike at any time during the day. Although many women find them occurring in the evening.

• Vaginal dryness: with the drop of hormones, your tissues become a bit dry and thin. You can find many over-the-counter lubricants to help you combat the irritation and soreness, especially during sex. You doctor can also prescribe birth control pills and other hormone adjusting medicines if the problem is very uncomfortable.

• Mood changes: as mentioned previously, with all the hormonal changes and lack of sleep due to hot flashes, your mood may become irritable. Some women experience mood changes that are like PMS, while others have extreme emotional changes. If you are in the latter category, please contact your doctor for advice on how to work through this time.

• Forgetfulness: this stems from the adjustment to less sleep and the hormonal changes as well. You might find that you are having trouble concentrating or forgetting where you put things or appointments, etc.

All women will experience this natural change in their lives. When you start to see signs of perimenopause, see it that you are beginning to enter a new chapter of your life.

If you are searching for a physician in the Lee county area of southwest Florida, head over to IPALC.org and conduct a free search.