What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which officially marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. It typically begins in a woman's 40s, but can start as early as the mid-30s. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, which is defined as having gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This transition can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years.
During perimenopause, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline as the ovaries start to fail. This leads to common symptoms like:
- Irregular periods - Periods may be lighter or heavier, and cycles may be longer or shorter than normal. Periods may eventually stop for months at a time.
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of intense heat in the upper body, sometimes with sweating and reddened skin. These uncomfortable "flashes" can last from 30 seconds to several minutes.
- Vaginal dryness - Lower estrogen levels can cause the tissues of the vagina to become thinner, drier, and more prone to irritation. This can make intercourse painful.
- Mood changes - Some women experience irritability, anxiety, or depression during perimenopause. Hormone changes may play a role here.
- Sleep problems - Night sweats and/or hot flashes can disrupt sleep. Some women also have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Other symptoms - Fatigue, memory issues, low sex drive, and urinary symptoms like urgency or incontinence may also occur during this transitional time.
While perimenopause signals the impending end of fertility, women can still become pregnant during this stage if they are not using birth control. Perimenopause ends and menopause officially begins once a woman has gone 12 months without her period. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anywhere from 40-58.
Some tips for coping with perimenopause:
- Get good sleep hygiene - going to bed and waking at the same times, limiting caffeine, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, etc.
- Stay active with exercise to help manage symptoms.
- Try vaginal moisturizers/lubricants for dryness and discomfort.
- Ask your doctor about low-dose hormonal birth control or estrogen therapy for symptom relief.
- Consider seeing a professional at Hormone Harmony. Their compassionate providers can help create a customized treatment plan to ease your perimenopause symptoms. With multiple locations, online booking, and telehealth, Hormone Harmony makes hormone therapy accessible and convenient.
The transition to menopause can be challenging. Being informed about what to expect and having a strong support system makes a big difference. With some lifestyle adjustments and the right treatment, many women are able to navigate perimenopause smoothly. The key is communicating with your doctor and finding the solutions that work best for your individual needs. This important life stage may bring changes, but it should not mean suffering - relief is possible!