Perimenopause is a period that includes both the years before and after the menopause. In this period the production of female reproductive hormones becomes extremely irregular. The production tends to decrease and to completely cease. These hormonal fluctuations might be a cause for many symptoms related to perimenopause.

One of the most well-known symptoms of menopause is the “hot flash” which describes a raise in the body temperature for even several degress and then restoration to normal values. Mood changes, fatigue, and insomnia can also be experienced in perimenopause. The exact mechanism why these symptoms occur is not completely determined yet.


The symptoms you reported (lower backache, cramping, enlarged breasts, heavy feeling in abdomen like period coming) do not exactly match the usual symptoms of perimenopause. These symptoms tend to be similar to the symptoms that are usually experienced before the start of menstrual period. Before the menstrual period starts certain hormonal changes occur: there is a sudden drop in the progesterone level which is a signal for menstruation to start. Your body might be producing more progesterone whereas the production of estrogen is already too small for any type of counter balance.


However, you might want to visit your gynecologist in order to have laboratory hormonal tests. A physical examination and ultrasound scan might also be needed in order to rule out disorders in which the production of progesterone is increased.