Perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause, which is the point when a woman's menstrual cycles permanently stop. It's a normal part of aging that typically begins for women in their late 30s to early 50s.
During perimenopause, hormone levels begin to fluctuate and decline as the ovaries start producing less estrogen and progesterone. This can last anywhere from a few years up to a decade before the final menstrual period.
Some key signs and symptoms of perimenopause may include:
The hormone fluctuations and changes associated with perimenopause can disrupt sleep, mood, sexual function, and more for some women. Supportive lifestyle measures like eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can help ease challenging symptoms.
If symptoms become very disruptive to your quality of life, see your healthcare provider about possible treatment options. Hormone therapy with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone is an option some women consider to get relief from severe hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal atrophy. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
The professionals at Hormone Harmony Clinic understand the impact perimenopause can have. We offer customized bioidentical hormone therapy options to help balance hormone levels, along with nutritional support and lifestyle coaching. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss relief for your symptoms. This key transitional time doesn’t have to limit you––we’re here to help you thrive!