Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage before menopause when a woman's body experiences changes as it prepares to stop menstruating. This phase usually begins for women in their late 30s to late 40s as the ovaries start to make less estrogen.
The onset of perimenopause can vary greatly from woman to woman. Some early signs to watch for include:
- Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, or more or less frequent
- Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth in the face, neck and chest that can lead to skin flushing and sweating
- Night sweats: Episodes of excessive sweating at night
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes: Irritability, anxiety, depression
- Weight gain: Fat accumulates more around the abdomen than hips/thighs
During
perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate meaning women may still get pregnant even though fertility is declining. Irregular ovulation makes periods inconsistent and unpredictable.
Birth control can help regulate menstrual cycles.
Perimenopause symptoms are linked to these changing estrogen levels. Low estrogen affects numerous bodily functions like temperature regulation and stress hormone regulation. Every woman experiences the intensity and duration of symptoms differently based on genetics, health, and lifestyle factors.
Managing this transitional time comes down to making healthy choices. Prioritize self-care with regular exercise, nutritious whole foods, adequate sleep and stress relief. Women may also ask their doctor about possible
hormone therapy options to relieve difficult symptoms. The experts at
Hormone Health Clinic provide customized
bioidentical hormone therapy plans to help women smooth out intensity of symptoms and improve quality of life during
perimenopause and beyond. Their experienced physicians and compassionate staff guide women through this transition gently and safely.
The phase ends when a woman has no menstrual period for 12 months, marking the official onset of menopause.
Perimenopause can last anywhere from a couple years to over a decade depending on the individual. Learning about what to expect and proactively caring for physical and emotional health makes navigating the changes easier. With support and preventative strategies, women can thrive during
perimenopause on their way to the freedom of menopause.