Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time before menopause, during which women often have significant symptoms due to hormonal volatility.  This lasts on average 4-8 years, and can have a significant impact on quality of life.  At San Diego Menopause Dr. Jennifer Davis provides FDA approved treatment for women experiencing perimenopause symptoms.  Don’t go it alone, book an appointment with Dr. Davis online or over the phone today.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause when your ovaries gradually stop working.  This often highly symptomatic period lasts on average 4-8 years.  As the estrogen levels in your body spike and fall unevenly, your periods shorten and lengthen with the changes and become more irregular until they eventually stop. You become less fertile and experience a mix of other physical and emotional symptoms similar to those women experience during menopause. 

Eventually, your period stops altogether. Once you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle, you have officially entered menopause.

Common perimenopause symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Joint and muscle aches
• Vaginal dryness
• The frequent urge “to go” and incontinence
• Higher levels of “bad” cholesterol
• A higher likelihood of urinary tract and vaginal infections
• Weight gain

Women entering perimenopause also often find themselves experiencing mood swings and irritability. They are also at a higher risk for depression and suffer a diminished sex drive and ability to concentrate. 

How do you diagnose perimenopause?

To diagnose perimenopause, Dr. Davis begins by learning more about you, your symptoms, and your medical history.  She considers these factors, as well as your age and menstrual history, to determine whether you’ve entered perimenopause. If necessary, Dr. Davis may perform blood work to measure your hormone levels.

Can you treat perimenopause?

Just because perimenopause is a natural part of aging doesn’t mean you have to endure uncomfortable symptoms on your own. Interested patients can ease symptoms with a variety of treatments and lifestyle adjustments, such as:

• Hormone therapy for night sweats, hot flashes, and bone loss
• Vaginal estrogen
• Non-hormonal medications for hot flashes
• Antidepressants for hot flashes and mood disorders

Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, daily exercise and strength training, stress-reducing techniques, and a consistent sleep schedule, can also help regulate your symptoms.

If your perimenopause symptoms are interfering with your quality of life or disrupting your routine, seek treatment with the compassionate experts and San Diego Menopause online or over the phone today.