Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which is the point when a woman's menstrual cycles stop permanently. This phase usually begins for women in their late 30s to late 40s as the ovaries start to produce less estrogen.
What are some key signs of perimenopause? Some early symptoms include:
- Irregular periods: Cycles may be heavier, lighter, or more unpredictable in timing and duration
- Hot flashes: Sudden feelings of intense body heat, flushing, and sweating, especially at night
- Mood changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, depression
- Trouble sleeping: Insomnia or poor sleep quality
- Vaginal dryness and pain during sex
While perimenopause signals a
natural transition most women go through, symptoms can disrupt quality of life significantly. At Optimal Hormone Solutions, we offer customized
hormone therapy programs aimed at balancing hormones and relieving difficult symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, and low libido. Our compassionate providers understand the physical and emotional changes women experience and work collaboratively to achieve treatment goals while closely monitoring for safety long-term.
When to see help: Most women manage symptoms themselves or take a "wait and watch" approach. However, if hot flashes or pain during intercourse start to weakly impact ability to work or sleep, consider seeing a hormone specialist. Bloodwork is important for assessing levels of
reproductive hormones like estrogen and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) to gain insights into what is causing bothersome symptoms. There may be room for adjustment in lifestyle, diet, or smartly using bioidentical hormone therapy at the right doses.
The transition through perimenopause is very individualized because of differences in our genetic makeup. Some studies estimate
symptom duration lasting 4 years on average, but could range from a few months to over 10 years in certain women before fully reaching menopause. Support groups can provide community through this time.
There are also long-term health considerations beyond the immediate discomfort of symptoms. The menstrual changes and drop in estrogen associated with perimenopause and menopause can negatively impact risks for certain conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease if not properly managed.
The physicians and nurse practitioners at Optimal Hormone Solutions stay up-to-date with advancing treatment approaches to help patients navigate the midlife transition smoothly. We provide customized care plans addressing the unique needs of
women in perimenopause.