Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which officially begins when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. The perimenopausal transition usually starts in your 40s, but can begin earlier or later.
Common symptoms of perimenopause include:
These symptoms are caused by natural hormone fluctuations, especially declining estrogen levels. During perimenopause, your menstrual cycle may lengthen or shorten, periods may become lighter or heavier, and you may skip periods sporadically—all of which is normal.
Perimenopause vs. menopause: While subtle, there is an important distinction. Perimenopause describes the menopausal transition phase, while menopause is the point when you have gone 12 months with no period.
Managing symptoms: Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, layering clothing, consuming phytoestrogen-rich foods, staying active, reducing stress, and not smoking can provide relief. If symptoms disrupt daily life, low-dose birth control, antidepressants, or over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers may help too.
The professionals at Elite Hormone Therapy also offer customized hormone therapy options to help regulate hormones and alleviate difficult menopause symptoms. Their caring team of physicians and nurses can help you develop a treatment plan involving bioidentical hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA to restore balance, health, and vitality during the menopausal transition and beyond.
I hope this overview on perimenopause was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions. This transitional stage can be challenging to navigate, but resources and support are available to help you through it.