Perimenopause literally means “around menopause” and is the transitional period before entering menopause. There isn’t a test or specific sign to let you know when you’ve entered perimenopause. However, you will likely start to notice some changes during this period of transition. Keep reading to find out more about what perimenopause is, how to know if you are in it, and how symptoms are treated.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause, also called the menopause transition, is when your body begins the transition to menopause. During this time, your body is nearing the end of its reproductive years, and your fertility starts declining. Your ovaries start producing less estrogen, which causes an irregular or erratic menstrual cycle. However, as long as you are still having a period, even an irregular one, you are likely still ovulating and could still get pregnant during this time of transition. There is no definitive timeline for perimenopause, and it looks different for everyone. It may begin as early as your mid-30s or as late as your 50s. Some women are in this transitional period for only a short time, but for many it will last four to eight years. When you’ve gone without a menstrual cycle for a full 12 months, you are no longer in perimenopause and have officially reached menopause.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
For most women, the first sign of perimenopause is irregular menstrual cycles. You may go from having fairly predictable periods to unpredictable cycles. Many people also start to experience some of the common signs of menopause like vaginal dryness and hot flashes early on in this transition. While symptoms vary, most people experience at least one of the following symptoms as the body adjusts to changes in hormone levels.
- Irregular or skipping periods
- Heavier or lighter than usual periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- Changes in mood such as depression, irritability, or mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Decreased bone density
- Changes in cholesterol levels
Treatment for Perimenopause
There is no cure to stop perimenopause. This is a natural part of life and aging. The only “cure” for perimenopause is when your periods stop and you reach menopause. However, there are various treatments available to help ease the symptoms you may experience during perimenopause. Antidepressants can be prescribed to help control mood swings and depression. There are prescription and over-the-counter vaginal creams to relieve dryness and reduce pain during sex. Gabapentin, a seizure medication, can be prescribed to treat hot flashes for some women. Birth control pills are also sometimes used to stabilize hormone levels, though they can also come with adverse side effects. Hormone replacement therapy can also be a great treatment to replace the hormones your body is missing.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment option to stabilize levels of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause. Hormone formulations can be administered in the form of implanted pellets, vaginal suppositories, transdermal creams and gels, oral pills, sublingual drops and troches, and transdermal patches. The safest and most effective type of HRT uses bioidentical hormones. These hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones produced in the human body, and they most effectively help replace the hormones your body is missing to make this transition period easier.
Get the Treatment You Need at the Institute for Progressive Medicine
Here at the Institute for Progressive Medicine, we take patient care very seriously. We take the time to get to know you and your state of health before creating a specialized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. If you are suffering with perimenopause or menopause symptoms and want to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, schedule an appointment today with one of our caring and knowledgeable providers to see if it’s a good fit for you.