Some key signs and symptoms can help determine if you are entering perimenopause or have started full menopause. Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin fluctuating and declining. Menopause officially begins 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period.
Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Some of the most common symptoms that may indicate perimenopause and menopause include:
- Irregular periods: Periods may become heavier, lighter, or more unpredictable. There may be longer gaps between cycles.
- Hot flashes: Sudden sensations of body heat, flushing, and sweating, especially at night.
- Night sweats: Severe hot flashes at night leading to drenching sweats.
- Vaginal dryness: Decreased estrogen can cause thinner, drier vaginal tissues. This can lead to pain during intercourse.
- Mood changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression may occur.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling and staying asleep becomes common.
- Changing cholesterol levels: LDL and triglycerides may rise; HDL may drop.
- Loss of breast fullness: Breasts become less dense and lose glandular tissue over time.
Other possible symptoms include urinary urgency, bloating,
fatigue, heart palpitations, headaches,
joint pain, decreased sex drive, hair thinning, and skin changes. The severity of symptoms varies significantly between women.
Diagnosing Menopause
To confirm if perimenopause or menopause has begun, your doctor can check levels of
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and
estradiol - two key sex hormones. FSH levels begin rising and estradiol levels start dropping as you near menopause. Annual well-woman exams help evaluate symptoms and hormone changes over time.
Tracking Symptoms and Cycles
Keeping a detailed
menopause journal can reveal symptom patterns and changes in your menstrual cycle:
- Note skipped periods, lighter or heavier flows
- Track symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping
- Record mood, energy level, sexual function
Bring your journal to doctor’s visits for optimal treatment planning. Lifestyle changes and medications may provide relief once menopausal transitions begin.
Vital Hormones Clinic Helps You Navigate Menopause Comfortably
Our caring providers offer comprehensive menopause care including:
- Hormone testing & replacement therapy
- Nutrition & lifestyle counseling
- Personalized symptom treatment plans
- Ongoing tracking & adjustments
We develop custom solutions to help you feel your best during this transition.
Contact Vital Hormones Clinic today to learn more!
Managing Symptoms
Several strategies can alleviate annoying or severe menopause symptoms:
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Stay cool with layered clothing, cooling bedding, avoiding triggers
- Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation
- Avoid alcohol, spicy foods that trigger hot flashes
- Set a consistent sleep schedule; limit caffeine
- Increase plant estrogens through soy, flaxseed
Medical Options
- Low-dose hormone therapy helps stabilize hormones
- Vaginal estrogens ease dryness and pain
- Antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds for mood issues
- Blood pressure meds if needed for hot flash relief
Track your progress closely with your healthcare provider to hone in on optimal individualized relief during the menopausal transition. Pay attention to new or changing symptoms and discuss them at your next appointment.
