5 Perimenopause Signs That Make You Nervous

You have a happy family, a stable job, long-time and new friends who stand by you no matter what, and a house you love to come home to everyday. Everything is routine for you with some small vacations here and there, just to give you a fresh whiff of country air and a clear mind. You think that life is just so perfect.

Then along comes perimenopause.

Before anything else, let me assure you that perimenopause is a normal stage for a woman to go through. It is actually nature's way of preparing our body for The Change called menopause. So nothing is wrong with you. You're actually very normal. Some women are lucky enough to evade the perimenopause signs and symptoms - they're going through it, they just don't feel it. Most however, aren't so fortunate.

If you're considering perimenopause for the symptoms you are currently feeling, then the 5 signs listed below will definitely be of help to you:

1. Erratic menstrual periods. This is the main symptom that alerts you to perimenopause. This can be anywhere from a short or long period to a period with either heavy or light flow. Sometimes, a period is skipped or there is just very light spotting.
2. Hot flashes. You experience hot flashes when your body senses that you are warm. In reality, you are not, but the body says you are. Blood then rushes to the blood vessels in the epidermis, creating your skin's reddish and flushed effect, particularly in the face and upper torso area. Other symptoms also come out during or immediately after, like an irregular heartbeat, anxiety and a vague feeling of suffocation and shortness of breath.
3. Change in libido levels. A very minute population of women actually enjoys perimenopause especially with regards to their sexual urges. To them, frequency of the act is as important as the quality of the act. Vaginal dryness/irritation or painful intercourse (both signs of perimenopause) is a sure way to get your sex drive levels to an all-time low.
4. Mood swings. One minute you're ecstatic; the next minute, you're sorely depressed ... and you haven't the foggiest idea why. This is all part of the hormone imbalance symptoms.
5. Weight gain. If you're conscious about your diet, yet you notice a consistent and getting-bigger-by-the-day bulge around your tummy area, then you may be a sure-fire candidate for perimenopause. Also, check your stress levels regularly. Stress hormones have the effect of "hoarding". Meaning if you have stress and diet combined, your body may interpret it like a war zone - hunger all around. It will store fat and energy, usually manifesting itself around the tummy area.

These 5 symptoms are sure signs that something is up with you. Even if you know this now, it is better though to visit your doctor and have some tests to confirm perimenopause and to rule out any possible sickness (like cancer and thyroid-related illnesses). It's best to be safe than sorry.