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By Jovanda Biston
You may be in your early 40s or younger and menopause may be far from your mind. However, you have noticed changes in your body.
Your menstrual periods are erratic or you might have lost your sex drive. When you notice such changes, you should see your doctor who can determine if these symptoms are due to perimenopause. null
Here are some common perimenopausal symptoms and how you can best deal with them:
Hot flushes
This is the most common symptom of perimenopause. It usually comes on as a mild, sudden feeling of warmth in the face or in the upper body. Your pulse rate may increase.
Dr Khong Chit Chong of KK Women's and Children's Hospital said hot flushes can occur up to a year or so before the onset of menopause.
What you can do: Wear light cotton clothing and sleep in a cool room. Avoid food that might trigger hot flushes like spicy dishes, alcohol and caffeine.
Consult your doctor to decide if you should get started on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
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Irregular menstrual periods
Menstrual cycles may become erratic and bleeding may be lighter or heavier. You may even stop menstruating for some months, then return to a regular cycle.
What you can do: Consult your doctor to determine the causes of the changes in your menstrual pattern.
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Trouble sleeping through the night
Sleep problems are often due to hot flushes or night sweats but sometimes sleep becomes erratic even without them.
What you can do: Dr Christopher Ng of GynaeMD Women's and Rejuvenation Clinic at Camden Medical Centre said that regular exercise and reduced stress improve sleep.
Consult your doctor about taking a short course of sedatives.
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Vaginal and bladder problems
Dr Ng said that when oestrogen levels diminish, physiological vaginal secretions reduce and vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity, causing discomfort during sex.
Dr Khong said that many perimenopausal women need to urinate more often, or suddenly feel the urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. Some women may also suffer from urinary incontinence.
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