Previous Story Perimenopause You don't have to be 55 years old and going through menopause to experience, hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. About 35 million women as young as 35 have the same symptoms but a different problem. The condition might not be well-known but 90-percent of women will go through it. It's called Perimenopause and it can be a very difficult time for a lot of women. Yolanda Hurston wipes tears from her eyes when she recalls the anxiety of waiting for an accurate diagnosis for her menopause-like symptoms. Yolanda - "It was extremely frustrating. There were many times I just cried." For about one year, Yolanda dealt with night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings. It sounds like menopause but Yolanda is only 43 years old! Yolanda - "Hot flashes at nigh, then freezing next, it was just crazy." Finally, Dr. Coleman diagnosed Yolanda with Perimenopause, the period of time before a woman reaches full menopause. Dr. Coleman - "It's brought on by waining ovarian function, depletion of estrogen function, estrogen depletion." Perimenopause is similar to menopause but there is one major difference, you can still get pregnant. Dr. Coleman - "The biggest difference is that menopause means no more menses. It's over. On the other hand, Perimenopause is that period of transition, before fertility comes to an end." Perimenopause treatment could involve a change in diet, exercise and possibly hormone therapy. It worked for Yolanda, who feels like a new person. "Most of all it brings peace of mind that what you're going through is real and not in your head." Dr. Coleman says some natural remedies could help as well such as Black Cohost (ko-hosh) which has estrogen properties, Valerian Root and Evening of Primrose Oil. Of course you will want to check with your gynecologist before trying any herbal remedy." Home | Upcoming Stories | Previous Stories |Survey | About Healthy Living | E-Mail