Skip to main content
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 27 October 2014

Question from one of our members : 

I am almost 50 years old. I still have monthly periods but lately the time in between the periods has been shrinking. That is, I can start getting pre-menstrual-like stomach cramps a week after my period has finished. Also, menstruation sometimes starts a day or two earlier than expected. Is this a symptom of approaching menopause? Also, my hair has been falling in handfuls. 
The other thing that happens is that my heart thumps really hard after I go to bed - not always, but this happens for a few days and then it's back to normal. Can some hormone problem be causing this?
 

Dr S. Patel

Wed, 11/05/2014 - 14:34

Menopause is known to have a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. The perimenopausal period (start of menopause) presents with light or heavy periods with varying frequency. Since estrogen decreases, it affects the reproductive system, bones, breasts, hair, skin, urinary system, vascular system and mucous membranes. Symptoms include loss of libido, hot flashes or night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, depression, palpitations, vaginal dryness, headaches, UTIs, frequent urination etc.

PatientsEngage

Wed, 11/05/2014 - 15:10

Dr. Chandan Dubey, a gynaecologist also says : Actually any change in menstrual cycle at 50 cannot be considered normal unless seen and looked into by a gynecologist. The other symptoms of hair fall and palpitations can only be labelled as perimenopausal after being checked up by a physician.