Perimenopause

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a time of transition. This is the period leading up to menopause, as your body adjusts to reduced hormone production, and the ovaries release eggs with less regularity. Your body will adjust in its own time — for some, the process takes only a few years, while others experience perimenopause over the course of a decade.

As estrogen levels spike and fall unpredictably, it causes shorter, longer, or irregular periods until they eventually stop. This impacts fertility and causes a host of other physical and emotional symptoms that may look familiar if you’ve observed someone experience menopause.

Eventually, your menstrual cycle ceases, and once you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you’ve officially entered menopause.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

When you’re going through perimenopause, you may experience:

• Diminished sex drive
• PMS-like symptoms
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Night sweats
• Joint and muscle aches
• Trouble concentrating
• Heavy daytime sweating
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary urgency or incontinence
• Higher levels of “bad” cholesterol
• A higher likelihood of urinary tract and vaginal infections

You may also experience irritability and mood swings. Having proper perimenopause support is vital because this time of your life also puts you at a higher risk for depression and other mood disorders.

How is perimenopause diagnosed?

To diagnose perimenopause at Solace Health, Erin goes to the source: you. She learns more about you by discussing your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination.

She considers these factors, as well as your menstrual history and age, to determine whether you’ve entered perimenopause. If necessary, she can perform blood work to measure your hormone levels.

Can I get treatment for perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer uncomfortable symptoms in silence. You can ease them with a variety of treatments and lifestyle adjustments, such as:

• Medications for hot flashes and mood disorder relief
• Vaginal estrogen
• Hormone therapy for night sweats, hot flashes, and bone loss

Erin may recommend a personalized supplement regimen to help ease symptoms, depending on what medications you take and your health history. She can also offer advice on lifestyle changes to help regulate your symptoms, including:

• Sex aids, such as lubricants
• Daily exercise and physical activity
• A healthy diet
• Stress reduction techniques
• A consistent sleep schedule

If you’re struggling to maintain your routine and quality of life, seek perimenopause treatment with Erin at Solace Health. You can book your appointment online or by calling the office today.