A recent episode of тАШAnd Just Like ThatтАжтАШ тАФ a reboot of Sex and the City тАФ dealt with a very important feminine issue. The episode highlighted a symptom of perimenopause called тАШflash periodтАЩ, the period┬аof transition that ultimately ends in menopause. Read on to find out more.
In the episode, Charlotte York Goldenblatt (played by Kristin Davis) was seen helping her daughter Lily as she struggled with tampon strings for the first time. An exasperated Charlotte said, тАЬJust when IтАЩm finally done with my period and I thought I would not have to deal with this s**t anymore.тАЭ
But just then, her own white pants turned red around the groin area, indicating blood, with Sarah Jessica ParkerтАЩs Carrie Bradshaw saying that her period тАЬmay not be as done as you thinkтАЭ. Earlier in the episode, Charlotte had revealed she hadnтАЩt had her period in four months. And Miranda Hobbes (played by Cynthia Nixon) pointed out that it may be a case of тАЬflash periodтАЭ.
So, why did it happen suddenly after months? Why the irregularity and what does it mean to be тАШperimenopausalтАЩ?
Dr Niti Kautish, consultant obs and gyne, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad explained that perimenopause is also known as menopausal transition, meaning тАШaround menopauseтАЩ. тАЬIt refers to the time during which the body makes natural transition to menopause, maturing end of reproductive years. Flash period is a period that comes suddenly due to irregular periods. It has symptoms like hot flashes, dryness of vagina, etc.тАЭ
According to the doctor, perimenopause symptoms include:
1. Irregular periods: Can be either too early (polymenorrhea) or too late (oligomenorrhea)
2. Heavy flow: Menorrhagia, bleeding clots for more than a week, with 3-4 full pads per day.
3. Hot flashes: Hot flashes and sleep problems are more common during this period.
4. Mood changes: A lot of mood changes around periods or even without that.
5. Vaginal dryness: Due to estrogen levels decreasing, women can experience vaginal dryness.
6. Other symptoms: Due to decrease in estrogen levels, there can be loss of bone density, changing cholesterol levels, loss of libido, decrease in fertility.
тАЬWhen a woman experiences these symptoms, she should connect with her gynaecologist and get all tests done, because symptoms can overlap with other diseases, too. Secondly, they can maintain a menstrual calendar and can keep sanitary napkins handy in case of emergency,тАЭ Dr Kautish said.
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