Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which is the point when a woman's menstrual cycles stop permanently. This transition typically begins for women in their late 30s to late 40s, and lasts for an average of 4 years until menopause officially begins at around age 51.
The hallmark symptom of perimenopause is irregular menstrual cycles. Women may experience shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, or missed periods. Other common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes - sudden feelings of intense warmth in the face, neck, and chest that can cause sweating and flushing of the skin.
- Night sweats - hot flashes occurring at night that can interrupt sleep.
- Vaginal dryness - decreased vaginal secretions leading to irritation and painful intercourse.
- Mood changes - irritability, anxiety, depression, trouble focusing and remembering things.
- Insomnia - trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
Less common symptoms are things like
headaches, breast tenderness, heart palpitations, and hair loss. The exact cause is a decline in estrogen and progesterone hormones as the ovaries slowly lose their follicles.
Diagnosis is usually based on a woman's age and description of symptoms. Doctors may run blood tests to measure hormone levels, which can help confirm perimenopause but do not diagnose it definitively.
There are various treatment options available to help manage symptoms:
- Hormone therapy - estrogen alone or with progesterone to replace declining hormones. This is the most effective treatment.
- Birth control pills - can regulate menstrual cycles and help symptoms.
- Antidepressants - for mood symptoms.
- Vaginal estrogen - localized therapy for vaginal dryness.
- Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
The symptoms of perimenopause can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. But the good news is there are many effective solutions available today. Women should know that perimenopause is a natural transition, not a disease, and they don't have to tough it out. Help is available! The medical providers at
Rejuvenate Health Center specialize in perimenopause and menopause care. We offer customized
hormone therapy and treatment plans to help women navigate this transition with more ease and comfort.