Life’s Transitions: Perimenopause and Menopause
Women experience many transitions during their life. One of those transitions happens around middle age, ranging from 40 to 65.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. This usually happens when you are in your late 40s. It can last a few months up to several years. During this time, the estrogen hormone level changes and can cause symptoms like:
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal changes, like dryness
- Hot flashes (a hot feeling that spreads all over your body)
- Night sweats
- Mood changes
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of sex drive
How do I treat perimenopause symptoms?
Changing what you eat and exercising can help, but if your symptoms continue, you may want to see your doctor.
What is menopause?
Menopause is when you stop having a period for a year. This usually happens in your late 40s or early 50s. It is a natural process that occurs as women age. The symptoms of menopause are often the same as perimenopause.
How do I treat menopause symptoms?
If your symptoms do not bother you, you don’t need treatment. If symptoms impact your daily life, you can:
- Make changes to your diet and activity.
- Make an appointment with your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy. Hormone therapy replaces the estrogen and progesterone hormones your ovaries stop making.
What is postmenopause?
If you’re 45 to 55 years of age and have not had your period in a year, you probably experienced menopause. You are now in postmenopause. Postmenopause means menopause happened. During this phase, you can no longer get pregnant.
Can someone go through menopause earlier in life?
Yes. If your ovaries are removed through surgery, you may experience menopause earlier or suddenly. If you receive certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy, menopause may happen earlier or suddenly.
Sources:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/how-to-know-if-youre-going-through-perimenopause
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menopausehttps://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menopause/what-treatments-are-there-menopause-symptoms
