Perimenopause - Restore Health Clinic

Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body is transitioning and preparing for menopause. This transitional phase can begin years before menopause actually occurs, usually when a woman is in her 40s, but it can start as early as the 30s as well. Some key things to know about perimenopause:

• It marks the transition toward the end of a woman's reproductive years. During perimenopause, her ovaries begin producing less estrogen and progesterone.
• The most common symptom is changes in menstrual cycle, such as periods becoming irregular, lighter or heavier, or longer or shorter. But keep in mind - you can still get pregnant during this time if you are having periods.
• Other common symptoms include:
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Changes in mood
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue
• The duration of perimenopause varies widely. It typically lasts between 2-8 years. Some women may only have symptoms for a few months, while others deal with them for a decade leading up to menopause.
• You are officially in menopause 12 months after your last period. Once you have gone 12 months with no period, then the perimenopausal transition ends.
• There are lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help manage difficult perimenopause symptoms. Regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, avoiding alcohol and hot flashes triggers can help. Low-dose birth control, antidepressants, vaginal estrogen products and other therapies may also alleviate symptoms for some women.

The lead up to menopause can be rough with unpleasant symptoms. But perimenopause is a normal transition that all women go through. Being informed about what to expect and having an open dialogue with your doctor at Restore Health Clinic can help you manage this transitional time of hormonal shifts and changes leading up to menopause.