Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which officially begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. Perimenopause typically starts for women in their late 40s, but can begin earlier or later.
Key changes during perimenopause:
- Irregular periods - Periods may become lighter or heavier and menstrual cycles often become irregular
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, along with sweating and rapid heartbeat, often at night
- Sleep disturbances - Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Vaginal dryness - Decreased estrogen causes the vaginal tissue to become thinner and more fragile
- Mood changes - Shifts in estrogen and progesterone can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
Why does this transition occur? As a woman ages, the ovaries gradually produce less of the hormones
estrogen and
progesterone. Fluctuating hormone levels drive the symptoms of perimenopause.
The duration of perimenopause varies dramatically among women. For some, this rocky transition lasts just a few months. For others, it persists for a number of years leading up to the final menstrual period at menopause.
So how do you cope? Here are some tips:
- Stay cool with layered, breathable clothing and avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and stress
- Consider hormone therapy like low-dose birth control pills or progesterone cream to regulate hormones
- Practice good sleep habits like limiting electronics before bedtime
- Exercise regularly to help manage mood and energy levels
- Try natural remedies like soy, black cohosh, or vitamin E
- Lean on your social support system and join a perimenopause support group
If you're struggling through perimenopause, the caring professionals at
Revive Hormone Institute can help. Their personalized treatment plans help women balance their hormones for relief from symptoms.
Patients rave about the customizable bioidentical hormone therapy and complementary therapies to boost mood, energy, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Contact Revive Hormone Institute today to take control of your perimenopause symptoms and start feeling like yourself again!