Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which officially begins when a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Perimenopause typically starts for women in their late 40s to early 50s, but it can begin earlier or later.
During perimenopause, a woman's body begins making less estrogen and progesterone - the main hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This leads to changes in her periods, which may become irregular, lighter, or heavier. Other common symptoms of perimenopause include:
The duration of perimenopause varies. It typically lasts 4-8 years on average. Some women may only have symptoms for a few months, while others deal with them for a decade or more before reaching menopause.
There are a number of ways women can ease the transition through perimenopause:
For those with severe symptoms, doctors may prescribe low-dose hormone therapy containing estrogen. This can effectively treat hot flashes and vaginal atrophy.
The professionals at Renew Medical Clinic have extensive experience guiding women through perimenopause. Their science-based approach looks at each woman's unique hormone profile to create a customized treatment plan involving bioidentical hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Relief from the most bothersome symptoms is often just a consultation away.
Overall, perimenopause is a natural transition on the way to menopause. While it can be challenging at times, women can take steps to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life during this period of hormonal change. With the right guidance and support, many find they can weather "the change" and emerge feeling healthy and strong on the other side.