From Tracee Cornforth,
Your Guide to Women's Health.
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Did you know that menopause is not actually called 'menopause' until one year after your last period?

Many women begin experiencing symptoms of pre or perimenopause several years before menopause occurs. The age when the signs of premenopause occur varies among women. Some women experience the symptoms of perimenopause in their early thirties, while other women may notice menopausal signs in their forties, and still other women never experience any changes during menopause.

Women who have had hysterectomies with one or both ovaries removed usually experience immediate surgical menopause, as will some hyterectomized women whose ovaries were left intact.

The Symptoms of Peri-Menopause

• Hot flashes, night sweats, coldness
• Irregular periods that can be heavy, light, shorter or longer cycles
• Difficulty sleeping either getting to sleep or staying asleep
• Mood changes, anxiety, depression, irritability
• Heart palpitations (if you experience any heart disturbances, always consult a physician)
• Dry skin and/or hair loss
• Loss of or decreased sexual desire
• Vaginal dryness
• Incontinence

There are many other symptoms that women may experience during the pre-menopause years. Sometimes the symptoms of menopause can be mimicked by other conditions--commonly thyroid disorders--so it's important anytime you experience changes that are different for you that you consult your physician.