Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause. During this period, your estrogen levels start to decrease and you may experience menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes. Perimenopause varies in each woman. It may begin as early as your mid-thirties or as late as your mid-fifties. Upper East Side perimenopause can last up to ten years but in most women, it stays for four to eight years. Fertility declines during perimenopause, but in rare cases, you can still get pregnant during this period. Perimenopause ends when you get into menopause when you go for twelve consecutive months without menstrual periods.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
Symptoms of perimenopause vary in each individual. You may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, periods that are heavier or lighter than usual, vaginal dryness, urinary urgency, sleep problems, and mood changes. Most people experience at least one of these symptoms. Decreased estrogen levels can cause bone thinning or change in cholesterol levels.
What are the risk factors of early perimenopause?
A family history of early menopause, using tobacco products, and a history of cancer treatment can increase your chances of having early perimenopause. Uterus or ovaries removal can also increase the chances of early perimenopause.
How is perimenopause diagnosed?
You can identify perimenopause without your doctor’s diagnosis. You can easily note changes in your body without a formal diagnosis. If you experience symptoms that alter your daily activities, consult your doctor. Seek immediate medical care if you have blood clots in menstrual discharge, spotting between periods, or vaginal bleeding after sex.
What are the treatments for perimenopause?
Medications
Medications for perimenopause help ease your symptoms. You can purchase these drugs over-the-counter or your doctor can prescribe them. Common perimenopause medications include:
Antidepressants: Your doctor may recommend antidepressants to manage your mood swings or depression.
Birth control pills: These drugs help stabilize your hormone levels, reducing your symptoms.
Estrogen therapy: Estrogen is available in form of a cream, gel, patch, or oral pill. Estrogen therapy helps stabilize estrogen levels.
Gabapentin: This drug is a seizure medication that relieves hot flashes in some women.
Vaginal creams: Your doctor can prescribe or recommend over-the-counter vaginal creams to ease pain related to sex or relieve vaginal dryness.
Lifestyle modifications
Certain lifestyle changes can help manage your perimenopause symptoms. Ensure you take a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid activities or foods that trigger hot flashes. If you are obese or overweight, losing weight can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats and improve your energy levels. Exercise also strengthens your muscles and improves your mood.
Make sure you limit alcohol and caffeine and quit smoking. You reduce insomnia by avoiding phones and screens and doing relaxing activities before bed. Meditation and other stress management techniques can improve your mood and depression.
Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause where your estrogen levels start declining. You may experience symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, heavier or lighter periods than usual, and mood changes. You can manage these effects through medications and lifestyle changes. Schedule an appointment at TārāMD for perimenopause to improve your quality of life.