Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body is going through the transition to the end of menstrual cycles. This phase typically begins for women in their late 30s or early 40s, but can start as early as the 30s or as late as the 50s.
During perimenopause, hormone levels begin to fluctuate and decline as the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone. Some of the most common symptoms include:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Irregular periods | Menstrual cycles may become longer or shorter, lighter or heavier, or more or less frequent. Periods may eventually stop altogether. |
| Hot flashes | Sudden feelings of heat in the upper body, sometimes with sweating and reddening of the skin. These usually last a few minutes. |
| Night sweats | Episodes of excessive sweating at nighttime. |
| Vaginal dryness | Decreased estrogen can cause the vaginal lining to become thinner and drier. This can lead to discomfort during sex. |
| Mood changes | Shifts in estrogen and progesterone can affect serotonin levels and cause symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or depression. |
| Sleep problems | Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep become common complaints. |
| Brain fog | Many women report problems with memory and concentration. |
The duration of perimenopause varies. It typically lasts around 4 years on average, but can be shorter or longer. There's no way to predict exactly how each woman will experience it.
Diagnosing perimenopause is usually done based on a woman's symptoms and age. Doctors may check follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or estrogen levels, which begin to fluctuate and rise during this stage.
There are various treatment options available to help manage troublesome perimenopausal symptoms:
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Hormone therapy (HT) | Low-dose estrogen, with or without progesterone, can help stabilize hormones and treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Oral tablets or skin patches are options. |
| Vaginal estrogen | Low-dose topical estrogen creams, tablets, or rings specifically treat vaginal dryness and discomfort. |
| Antidepressants | SSRIs or SNRIs may be prescribed for mood swings, anxiety, or depression. |
| Lifestyle changes | Regular exercise, stress management, avoiding triggers like hot drinks, and dressing in layers can help reduce hot flashes. Soy foods, flaxseed, and vitamin E may also help. |
At Hormone Health Clinic, our caring providers are experts in women's hormone health. We take a holistic approach to treating perimenopause and menopause, using bioidentical hormones when appropriate to gently restore hormone balance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your menopause transition.
In summary, perimenopause refers to the transitional time before menopause when hormone levels become irregular. Recognizing common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes and getting an accurate diagnosis from your provider allows you to explore treatment to ease this transition. Take comfort knowing perimenopause is a natural phase experienced by all women as they approach menopause. With the right information and support, you can manage symptoms and continue thriving through midlife and beyond.