Perimenopause refers to the time period leading up to menopause, when a woman's hormones begin to fluctuate and decline. This phase can begin up to 10 years before menopause actually occurs, typically between the ages of 45-55.
Some key things to know about perimenopause:
- The most common symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes like irritability or depression. These occur due to shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone.
- It's a natural transition but can be uncomfortable! Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, layering clothing, and trying supplements can provide relief. If symptoms disrupt daily life, see your doctor about low-dose hormonal therapies.
- No two experiences are alike! Some sail through perimenopause while others struggle with severe symptoms. Genetics, health status, and life circumstances all play a role.
- Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, which is only declared after 12 months without a period. At this point, estrogen and progesterone never rise enough to trigger menstruation again.
So in summary, perimenopause describes the unpredictable stage leading up to menopause, involving hormone fluctuations that drive unpleasant symptoms. It affects most women to some degree in midlife.
We recommend any woman struggling with this transition to reach out to our compassionate team at
Hormone Harmony. Our physicians specialize in perimenopause and menopause management using the latest science-based protocols for hormone optimization, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling. We'll design a custom treatment plan to help ease your symptoms naturally and safely using bioidentical hormones, supplements, diet strategies and more. Hormone Harmony exists to support and empower patients through every phase of the menopausal journey.
Contact us today for a free 15-minute phone consult to learn more!