Take The Challenge
By Tresa Erickson

Perimenopause. If you're over the age of 40, you are probably familiar with this term and may even be going through it yourself. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when a woman begins to produce fewer hormones and become less fertile. Test your knowledge of perimenopause in this quiz.

1. What vital hormones does your body produce less of during perimenopause?

a) Estrogen and testosterone b) Testosterone and progesterone

c) Estrogen and progesterone

d) None of the above

2. What is a common symptom of perimenopause?

a) Mood changes b) Memory disturbances c) Night sweats

d) All of the above

3. How long does perimenopause last?

a) Varies b) A few weeks c) Several months

d) None of the above

4. What dietary changes may help relieve some of the symptoms of perimenopause?

a) Less fat b) More fiber c) More calcium

d) All of the above

5. What disease does perimenopause increase the risk for?

a) Macular degeneration b) Osteoporosis c) Lupus

d) None of the above

6. How does perimenopause affect the skin?

a) Thins the skin

b) Reduces collagen in the skin

c) Makes skin less elastic

d) All of the above

7. What may not help relieve perimenopausal symptoms?

a) Taking the pill

b) Engaging in regular exercise

c) Eating more

d) None of the above

8. What are possible triggers of hot flashes during perimenopause?

a) Hot weather b) Hot or spicy foods c) Alcohol or caffeine

d) All of the above

9. What may perimenopause increase, leading to a higher risk of heart disease?

a) Blood fats b) Blood circulation c) Blood pressure

d) None of the above

10. What is not a given in perimenopause?

a) Mood swings b) Infertility c) Hot flashes

d) None of the above Answers: 1) c, 2) d, 3) a, 4) d, 5) b, 6) d, 7) c, 8) d, 9) a, 10) b