Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which officially begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. During perimenopause, women start experiencing changes related to decreasing estrogen levels that can last for several years before menopause.
Some key signs of perimenopause include:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Irregular periods | Cycles may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, or more unpredictable. This is one of the earliest signs of perimenopause. |
| Hot flashes | Sudden feelings of body heat, flushing, sweating. These can range from mild to severe. |
| Night sweats | Episodes of sweating at night, often disrupting sleep. |
| Vaginal dryness | Decreasing estrogen leads to thinner vaginal tissues. This can cause pain during intercourse. |
| Mood changes | Irritability, anxiety, depression. Hormone fluctuations can impact mood. |
| Trouble sleeping | Insomnia and night waking become more common. |
| Other symptoms | Headaches, muscle/joint pain, changes in libido, weight gain. |
The average age range for perimenopause is 45-55, but it can start as early as the 30s or 40s. The duration varies widely, lasting anywhere from a few months to 10 years until menopause.
There are a few key ways women can manage perimenopausal symptoms:
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Hormone therapy | Low doses of estrogen/progestin can relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness. Must balance risks/benefits. |
| Lifestyle changes | Regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, avoiding triggers like caffeine/alcohol/spicy foods. |
| Vaginal estrogen | Localized low-dose estrogen creams/tablets can help vaginal dryness without systemic effects. |
| OTC remedies | Lubricants, moisturizers, cooling gels help relieve discomfort during intercourse. |
At Restore Hormone Clinic, we specialize in natural bioidentical hormone therapy tailored to each woman's needs during perimenopause and menopause. Our experienced physicians provide comprehensive testing, treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring to help women find the right balance of hormones for relief of symptoms. We offer customized bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone creams, troches, injections and more to help women thrive through these transitions. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation!
The transition through perimenopause presents both challenges and opportunities for self-care. Working closely with a doctor can help provide symptom relief, but lifestyle changes are also key. With the right support, most women are able to manage this transition gracefully on the path to menopause. It's all about finding the right balance physically and emotionally. Have you experienced any of these symptoms? What has helped you during perimenopause? I welcome your experiences in the comments!