Perimenopause

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which officially begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. During perimenopause, a woman's body starts undergoing many changes as it prepares to stop menstruating. This phase usually starts in a woman's 40s, but can begin earlier or later.

Some key things to know about perimenopause:

• It marks the transition to menopause as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. This fluctuating hormone balance causes various symptoms.
• Common symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and irregular periods.
• Perimenopause usually lasts around 4 years on average, but can range from a few months to over 10 years.
• It ends when a woman has gone 12 months without her period. At this point, she has officially reached menopause.

Managing perimenopause symptoms can be challenging. Lifestyle remedies like avoiding triggers, dressing in layers, consuming phytoestrogens, and trying cognitive behavioral therapy provide relief for some women. However, when symptoms disrupt daily life, medical treatment may be helpful. At Vitality Renewal Clinic, we specialize in perimenopause and menopause care including hormone therapy options to get your body balanced and feeling like yourself again. Our personalized care plans help women thrive through this transition.

In summary, perimenopause is the uneven and fluctuating transition phase leading up a woman's final menstrual period. Tracking irregular cycles and managing troublesome symptoms are often part of navigating “pre-menopause” before reaching menopause itself. Making healthy lifestyle changes and seeking expert care can help smooth the transition. Contact Vitality Renewal Clinic today to learn more about easing your perimenopause journey.