Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body makes the natural transition toward permanent infertility. It's an extended phase that can last up to 10 years. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels become irregular as the ovaries prepare to stop releasing eggs. This fluctuation causes changes throughout the body.
Common perimenopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. While frustrating, this is a normal transition. Making healthy lifestyle choices and contacting your doctor can help ease discomfort.
Most women enter perimenopause in their 40s, but it can start earlier or later. The phase begins when estrogen production decreases. Ovulation may not occur during every cycle, periods become irregular, and postmenopausal symptoms start appearing. Perimenopause ends when a woman has gone 12 months without a period.
Lifestyle measures like avoiding alcohol/spicy foods, layering clothing, and exercising may help ease hot flashes. Over-the-counter lubricants can help vaginal dryness during intercourse. Practicing stress-reduction techniques, participating in talk therapy, and potentially taking antidepressants can help address mood changes.
However, some women may benefit from customized hormone therapy to get relief from severe symptoms. The knowledgeable physicians at Hormone Health Institute specialize in hormone balancing during perimenopause and menopause. They use cutting-edge testing to determine if bioidentical hormone treatments could help optimize your energy, sleep, sexual health, and moods during this transition.
Perimenopause culminates in menopause - defined as 12 months without a period. At this point, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen/progesterone production decreases substantially (though the adrenal glands still produce some hormones). Talk to your gynecologist and determine if you're a candidate for short-term hormone therapy to treat severe hot flashes, vaginal atrophy symptoms, or other issues that impact quality of life. They can also advise about bone health.
The transition may be bumpy, but perimenopause helps pave the way for the next phase of a woman's life. Being informed about what to expect and making positive choices can help you roll with the changes. Contact Hormone Health Institute to learn more about optimizing your hormone health during perimenopause and beyond.