Feb 24, 2011

A Bossy Tutorial: Perimenopause

The other day Bossy was researching Perimenopause. Not because Bossy is anywhere near perimenopause age, mind you. But let’s just say Bossy has a friend who will someday, not anytime soon, approach perimenopause age.

Strictly speaking, perimenopause is when a woman’s body shifts from regular cycles of ovulation toward the permanent infertility of menopause. Peri is an Indo-European prefix meaning around or about — and meno pause is Greek for pausing men.

Still, there remain questions surrounding the what and when of this transition, so Bossy set out to gain some clarity regarding this condition. Shall we?

1. Perimenopause begins when women are in their 40s. Unless they’re in their 30s. Or younger.
2. The perimenopause stage lasts four years. Or ten.
3. Perimenopause is defined by heavier periods. Or lighter.
4. During perimenopause, the monthly cycle is closer together.
5. During perimenopause, the monthly cycle is further apart.
6. Unless it’s closer together (see #5.)
7. Perimenopause periods are only a few days in duration. Or a week.
8. During perimenopause a woman experiences decreased fertitlity due to a drop in hormones that won’t support a pregnancy.
9. During perimenopause a woman can have a baby.

There! That should clear things up.

permanent link to post

63 comments

1. 1
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
   RuthWells said:

   Don’t forget the night sweats. Boy howdy.


2. 2
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
   Bev said:

   Clear as mud…like most everything published that is related to health or politics or economics or diet or child rearing or education or …..


3. 3
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
   bossy's friend, martha said:

   Thanks, Bossy. I have been curious myself, Now I won’t bother researching all day to find out I knew less than when I started.


4. 4
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
   Reeb said:

   I have one word to say about perimenopause: yam cream.
   Oh wait, that’s two words.
   In any case, get yourself some of this from a health food store, even though it costs a bundle, and rub a dab daily inside your arm or on other thin absorptive skin. It adds estrogen (that your system is losing) and stabilizes you from hot flashes. And being crazy. er.
   It sure helped me. Helps the imprisoned constantly-pregnant mares who are tortured to make Premarin too.


5. 5
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
   MP said:

   Bossy’s friend MP also has a friend who’s doctor started throwing things around like perimenpause.. it’s causing her to gain weight.. not want to exercise, eat french fries, cry and play lots of farmville.. and having only a couple periods a year.


6. 6
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
   Mira said:

   Love this!


7. 7
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
   Heide said:

   Thank you! That sums it up perfectly.


8. 8
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
   Heide said:

   Oh, and amen to RuthWells re: night sweats.


9. 9
   on February 24th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
   Lee said:

   How about cramping? I have been felling cramping only second to childbirth. My night sweats are minimal but I do enjoy those occasional brief moments where I am transported to the sun for a short time only to be followed by a panic attack of emotions. Fun!


10. 10
    on February 24th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
    jeri said:

    Don’t hate me. Some people, such as myself, experience none of these problems and aren’t even aware that they’re going through it until sometime, months later, when you realize you haven’t had to go to the store to buy feminine products in who knows how long! Weight gain? Yes, but I’ve struggled with that my whole life so what else is new? I don’t know how I got to be so lucky as to not experience any of the symptoms we all hear about and dread experiencing, but I thank my lucky stars that I slipped through! Good luck to you all, and hope you slip through, too!


11. 11
    on February 24th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
    Z. Mulls said:

    Can you cook with yam cream? Like, maybe make a soup out of it?


12. 12
    on February 24th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
    KathyB said:

    @jeri #10, congratulations but don’t imagine it can’t still creep up on you and thwap you upside your head, along with periods long after you thought you were done – intermittently for a few years. Just keeps things interesting.

    Endocrinology is the great unknown.

    A few years before dancing with Peri, had some episodes of dancing legs when trying to fall asleep. Getting up, using cool washcloth on bottoms of feet followed by lotion – helpful. TMI sorry Have been spared clothes soaking power surges.


13. 13
    on February 24th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
    dgm said:

    You nailed it, Bossy! Also: insomnia but exhaustion; dry skin but adult acne.

    Invest in some magnesium, vitamin B, and evening primrose oil. They are my friends.


14. 14
    on February 24th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
    Kelly said:

    Hi Bossy – just turned 40 and have been going through perimenopause for the last 1, if not 2, years. Dumb. Also you forgot INSOMNIA. Helped significantly by 200mg of prometrium at night.


15. 15
    on February 24th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
    Ruth said:

    Hmmm I — I mean a FRIEND of mine is 60 years old and still having periodic menses… lucky me – I mean HER! My Dr. had me …uhmm her go and have a transvaginal MRI (I think) and she has the ovaries of a 20 year old. WHoppee I — I mean she told her Dr. it was God’s way of telling her to go ahead and have a child… hehehehe Dr. (A woman Dr.) just glared… hehehe


16. 16
    on February 24th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
    Thatgrrl said:

    My new and now former gyno gave me a pamphlet titled “Your Changing Body in Mid-Life” that basically said “Hey, are you over 25? HAVE BABIES NOW or you will be a dried up crone who missed out on the only thing that makes women feel worthwhile.” Because 60 is the new 40 except when 35 is the new 55.


17. 17
    on February 24th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
    Leaf Probably said:

    Oh good. I’m glad you cleared this up.

    (Also: OH GOD! most of these things apply to me! My cycle is weird and I’m in the ‘or younger’ bracket, and once it was heavier, and this time it’’s lighter, and my period is a week in duration – I have the perimenopause!! )

    (my doctor really loves it when I google stuff to freak out at her about.)


18. 18
    on February 24th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
    Deb said:

    effing swell.


19. 19
    on February 24th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
    Monique said:

    I actually find that a litre of wine, consumed right before bed, helps not only the night sweats (since I sleep right through them) but also the insomnia and cramping


20. 20
    on February 24th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
    APeetsMom said:

    well shithowdy…so that’s WHAT THE HELL…all and some of that happening over here…pushing 46…but why am I as horny as ever?! I am so confused!!


21. 21
    on February 24th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
    The Domestic Goddess said:

    sums it up perfectly. And, I am doing the perimenopause thing. OY.


22. 22
    on February 24th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
    Sherri said:

    Sigh…….I have ended up with the worst of all the “or” choices and stired up with a big dose of insomnia and anxiety (??? what how when did that become part of the package ???). Luckily the breakouts have subsided….all the better to see the wrinkles Sigh again….


23. 23
    on February 24th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
    Amanda in ATL said:

    That’s exactly why I plan to keep taking the Pill straight through to avoid periods until I am around 60!


24. 24
    on February 24th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
    La Suzette said:

    Sigh. Got lucky on the peri, not so much with the regular – and they don’t tell ya just how many years the GD hot flashes can last! Oh the plus side, met a new man so took the pause button off men. But thanks for the informative report, Bossy, exactly what Iexpected to learn from the internet.


25. 25
    on February 24th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
    foolery said:

    Swell. From now on I will put PERI in front of everything. It seems to have a nice built-in 180 degree escape clause.

    “Peri-On Time and Peri-On Budget” (unless it’s not, thus PERI)


26. 26
    on February 24th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
    Franca Bollo said:

    Yep, your research backs mine up.


27. 27
    on February 24th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
    Franca Bollo said:

    That damn Trojan got her comment in before me.

    (Foolery and I went to rival high schools.)


28. 28
    on February 24th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
    Bob Cleveland said:

    I peri-didn’t read this.


29. 29
    on February 24th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
    Audrey at Barking Mad said:

    I’m not entirely clear on this. Oh wait, I meant I’m only peri-clear on this.

    At my last dr’s appointment for all things girly, I mentioned that I’d never had cramps before…ever and after having my tubes tied five years ago after having my youngest, boom! Cramps. Every freaking month.

    She looked at me and said, “Honey, that has nothing to do with having had your tubes tied, that has everything to do with being in perimenopause.”

    I’m now doing 500+ hours of community service and her face is healing nicely.


30. 30
    on February 24th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
    kathleenmary said:

    Is that you Bob Cleveland? The funnier than funny Bob Cleveland from the way-back-in-the-day of Pioneer Woman? That Bob Cleveland? And, here you are posting on a perimenopause post. So good go see you again. Isn’t this the greatest blog?


31. 31
    on February 24th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
    Jennifer said:

    I think I’ve been under the impression that if you run every single day and eat like a monk, none of this will happen. As it turns out, NO.


32. 32
    on February 24th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
    Meg at the Members Lounge said:

    Ha! The reason for jumpy legs – no longer a mystery.


33. 33
    on February 24th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
    kathy said:

    # 10 I do hate you! I have night sweats all day. Anytime, anywhere- eruption! Fun times. Yam skin? If it works, I am so there! Enlightening as always Bossy!


34. 34
    on February 24th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
    formerlyfun said:

    I am a skin care therapist and want to slap an amen on the evening primrose oil. It’s good for the hormones and helps skin cells retain water(think plump skin not fat ass and rings that wont fit). It is also good for dog eczema, go figure.


35. 35
    on February 24th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
    Gretchen said:

    I don’t believe anything I hear about menopause or peri-menopause. I am almost 56 and there is no sign of either in sight. I am fed up and as much as I wanted puberty to happen to me so I could be grown up, I am even more anxiously awaiting my friend Menopause. I could still have a baby. Can you IMAGINE? Crazy.


36. 36
    on February 24th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
    Susan said:

    I have LOVED every minute of my non-menopausal life.
    There is no symptom so unsavory as a week of blood, cramps, mood swings and tampon insertions.
    And birth control? Are you kidding!
    Give me hot flashes, please!


37. 37
    on February 24th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
    Angela@beggingtheanswer said:

    This is what I have to look forward to? After all the fun and games of normal monthly periods, I get to go through perimenopause where things might be better or worse or maybe just the same?

    No, thanks.

    Although I’m totally going to buy stock in evening primrose oil – that stuff sounds like the elixer of life.


38. 38
    on February 25th, 2011 at 12:01 am
    rory said:

    hooboy.
    That clears up some issues.


39. 39
    on February 25th, 2011 at 12:26 am
    All Adither said:

    I’ve been researching this, too. It could be…cancer…or lupus…or perimenopause. Ugh.


40. 40
    on February 25th, 2011 at 3:13 am
    diana said:

    And is YOUR FRIEND going to have A BABY?


41. 41
    on February 25th, 2011 at 7:41 am
    kate said:

    i thought i was going through this wonderful time (or not) a couple of years ago…was having all kinds of unique never happened before things going on..and what happened?…i got pregnant…at 42…oh man!!!! ( baby is doing well…me?…well my oldest child is 25 and i have a toddler…i am tired)


42. 42
    on February 25th, 2011 at 10:07 am
    Katia / Crazy for trying said:

    clear.as.mud.


43. 43
    on February 25th, 2011 at 10:21 am
    krg said:

    I love how god has arranged these things to coincide with our being of an age to send our beloved sons out of the country. or our daughters to become 13ish. so as to not have too many flinging emotions out there.


44. 44
    on February 25th, 2011 at 11:23 am
    Snow said:

    Oh Bossy, how I wish your comment page had “like” buttons!
    To all: ” LIKE”


45. 45
    on February 25th, 2011 at 11:34 am
    allison in houston said:

    49 and there in peri-land. Mom was 51 ish whenher body called it done, so maybe I’m close. Who the hell knows? Near zero sex drive, menstrual migraines which I never had until last year, night sweats but no daytime hot flashes, and oh yeah. I cut my very long, bone-straight hair off to chin length a few years ago so I could donate it before it was too gray to be acceptable, and now my hair is curly. That one I don’t mind so much.


46. 46
    on February 25th, 2011 at 11:45 am
    heidig said:

    I’m right there with #10 and #35! I just turned 50 and have spent my entire life wrapped tightly in a sweater, even in 90 degree weather. And my monthly visits from “Flo” may be old and angry but they come every month nonetheless. What the heck!?


47. 47
    on February 25th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
    Sue said:

    Copious amounts of Canadian Mist relieves all symptoms. I’ve been in full blown menopause since I was 38!


48. 48
    on February 25th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
    yvonne nc said:

    How about 1 week from being “officially” in menopause and
    bam! Christmas Eve no less. Neighbors down the street had to cover their children’s ears. And no one mentioned along with insomnia the obsessive thoughts racing in your brain. Oh shit don’t tell me it’s just me.


49. 49
    on February 25th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
    Summer said:

    Backed by my medical degree from the University of Google, I self-diagnosed perimenopause quite some time ago and continue to enjoy its side effects. Can’t wait for the Big M, maybe there will at least be a light at the end of the tunnel then…


50. 50
    on February 25th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
    kathy said:

    Miss Bossy, I was reading some of your former posts and realized I missed the ten word birthday post! I didn’t wish you a happy day. Belated Happy Birthday!! My birthday is Jan. 27th. Aren’t we Aquarians the weirdest? But fun, always fun!


51. 51
    on February 25th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
    Aimee said:

    Crap! I thought Peri was that bottle they gave me to wash with after childbirth. I swear to God if my doctor gives me a book about my changing “middle aged body,” I might get violent or laugh my arse off!


52. 52
    on February 25th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
    Darcie said:

    B, my friends do NOT talk about this!! I’m glad you sort of did.


53. 53
    on February 25th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
    Cincy said:

    How ’bout 16 months with no period then, on LABOR DAY no less, wild cramping and a regular weeklong period. Then? Nothing. So I got to start counting all over. Whee! I’m queen of the ‘Pausers!


54. 54
    on February 25th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
    AngAK said:

    these comments are just a hoot! I would like to press the “like” button for all


55. 55
    on February 25th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
    Little Miss Sunshine State said:

    WORST freaking 10 years of my life! I lived in black pants because who knew what day your period would ever start, slept with the windows open in the winter and the woman who didn’t ever have a cramp felt like she was giving birth every month.


56. 56
    on February 25th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
    bramble said:

    Dear Bossy, Thanks for sharing your “friend’s” concerns and observations. 51 here and just had my first 3 month interruption of cycle; I was terrified I might be pregnant! THAN when the lovely visitor returned, it stayed for 9 days and we all know after 3 days visitors MUST go! So… on the fence literally not knowing is we is or is we isn’t and well that is just not good science! I am going to try yam cream as I have had some loverlie changes in weather pattern recently. Holy moses, what is up with the term “hot flash”? More like heat tsunami or flash fire of the nether regions! I am sure it varies for everyone but it sure surprised me!!!


57. 57
    on February 25th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
    cartoongoddess said:

    Hell yes. Quite right. All of it.

    Fun, eh?


58. 58
    on February 26th, 2011 at 7:40 am
    krg said:

    after the doctor’s visit where they do the is it really really over test (yes), hubby asked what the doc said. I told him she said he was a whole lot more attractive than he had been in years.


59. 59
    on February 26th, 2011 at 8:01 am
    Dara said:

    I dunno, I’d still take my ovaries and all their issues over a prostrate gland any day!!


60. 60
    on February 26th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
    corrie said:

    notwithstanding all of the above (about peri & meno) …. the mental consequence of transcending this change can be intense! Very depressing to live with your new self and realizing oneself as ‘old’ in body…


61. 61
    on February 28th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
    kay said:

    So… Is it worse to just keep having your period until you’re 90?

    I’m conflicted, but am pretty sure that won’t be happening. That leg-thing? THAT will be the death of me. At my husband’s hand.


62. 62
    on February 28th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
    karen said:

    Yam cream … seriously? The smell alone would make my night sweating, pms ing, severe cramping, heaving bleeding body just want to gag! Arbonne makes a hormone balancing cream called Phyto Prolief that helps. Let’s all enjoy the journey.


63. 63
    on March 3rd, 2011 at 12:01 am
    Pat said:

    Excellent summary….not that I’d know anything about that!