Many of the patients Dr. Wendy Wolfman sees as director of Mount Sinai?s Mature Women?s Health Clinic in Toronto are surprised?and less than thrilled?by the sudden onset of symptoms of perimenopause. ?They often feel that they haven?t been told enough about what?s happening to their bodies,? she says. ?And many women put up with symptoms unnecessarily.?
Perimenopause means ?around menopause? and usually kicks in during your 40s (or even in your mid-to-late 30s) as your ovaries start producing less estrogen and your reproductive system starts winding down. It can last anywhere from five to 10 years?until your periods stop altogether (once you hit 12 months period-free, you?re officially in menopause).
The symptoms, Dr. Wolfman says, can be troublesome and disruptive. One of the first signs of perimenopause is shorter menstrual cycles and heavier, more irregular periods. You may also experience hot flashes, headaches, vaginal dryness and mood swings. ?It?s important to recognize the symptoms and know that you can do something about them,? she says. Here are five of her top perimenopause survival tips. How to banish bloating and cramping

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