Irregular periods: As ovulation becomes more unpredictable, the length of time between periods may be longer or shorter, your flow may be light to heavy, and you may skip some periods.
Hot flashes and sleep problems: Hot flashes are common during perimenopause. The intensity, length and frequency vary.
Mood changes: Mood swings, irritability or increased risk of depression may happen during perimenopause. The cause of these symptoms may be sleep disruption associated with hot flashes.
Vaginal and bladder problems: When estrogen levels diminish, your vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity, making intercourse painful.
Decreasing fertility: As ovulation becomes irregular, your ability to conceive decreases. However, as long as you're having periods, pregnancy is still possible.
Changes in sexual function: During perimenopause, sexual arousal and desire may change. But if you had satisfactory sexual intimacy before menopause, this will likely continue through perimenopause and beyond.
Loss of bone: With declining estrogen levels, you start to lose bone more quickly than you replace it, increasing your risk of osteoporosis — a disease that causes fragile bones.
Changing cholesterol levels: Declining estrogen levels may lead to unfavorable changes in your blood cholesterol levels, including an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol.
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
