Perimenopause - Restorative Health Center

Navigating Perimenopause: Understanding the Transition to Menopause

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which is the point when a woman's menstrual cycles stop permanently. This transition typically begins in a woman's 40s, but can start as early as the 30s. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, which is usually defined as happening after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

The hallmark signs of perimenopause are changes in the menstrual cycle. Cycles may become shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent. Many women experience irregular periods during this time. Other common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood changes like irritation or depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased sex drive
• Forgetfulness or "brain fog"

These symptoms are caused by hormonal fluctuations, especially decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone. During perimenopause, the ovaries start making less of these hormones leading up to menopause when hormone production stops completely.

How Hormone Changes Impact the Body and Mind

Hormone changes can start impacting the body and mind in many ways:

Symptom	Cause
Hot flashes	Lower estrogen correlates with more severe hot flashes. Blood vessels dilate and circulation increases near the skin's surface, causing flushing and sweating.
Vaginal atrophy	Declining estrogen causes the vaginal lining to thin and dry out. This can lead to irritation, burning, itching, and painful intercourse.
Mood disorders	Estrogen plays a role in serotonin and endorphins which affect mood. Dropping levels may increase risk of depression and anxiety.
Cognitive issues	Fluctuating hormones can impair verbal memory and ability to concentrate. Women may feel like they have "brain fog."
Urinary changes	Weakened pelvic muscles can cause urine leakage when coughing/laughing. Lower estrogen also increases risk of UTIs.
Sleep disturbances	Night sweats and hormonal shifts can impair sleep quality and lead to insomnia.
Heart health	Lower estrogen is associated with increased LDL cholesterol levels and higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

The duration of perimenopause varies widely. It typically lasts 2-8 years but can be shorter or longer. Getting through this transitional time comfortably often requires some lifestyle adjustments and medical support. Have an open dialogue with your doctor about any troubling symptoms.

Managing Perimenopause Symptoms

There are several approaches to managing perimenopause symptoms, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions:

Approach	Description
Healthy habits	Eating nutritious whole foods, exercising regularly, practicing stress management, and getting enough sleep can help alleviate symptoms.
Herbal supplements	Some women find relief through supplements like black cohosh, flaxseed, and evening primrose oil.
Hormone therapy	For more severe symptoms, doctors may prescribe hormone therapy to balance estrogen and progesterone levels. This can effectively treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood issues.

The experts at Restorative Health Center can help create a customized care plan to smoothly transition through perimenopause into menopause. Their comprehensive hormone testing evaluates your individual hormone levels. This enables their physicians to provide bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition plans, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion

Perimenopause can be a challenging time for many women, but understanding the changes happening in your body and having the right support can make a significant difference. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, considering herbal supplements, and seeking medical guidance when needed, you can navigate this transition with greater ease and comfort. Remember, every woman's journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.