Peri & Post Menopause

Menopause is a transitional time that all women will go through, but the length and severity of symptoms will be different for each individual. Typically during a woman’s late thirties, a change begins know as peri-menopause. Peri-menopause is a natural decline of the hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are produced by the ovaries and while they are responsible for a wide variety of tasks one main task is to regulate menstruation. During peri-menopause there is such a fluctuation in hormones many women experience symptoms that may cause significant changes in their everyday lives.

Symptoms associated with hormone imbalance in menopausal women:

  • Menstrual Irregularities
  • Hot Flashes
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Mental and Emotional Changes
  • Skin and Hair Changes
  • Changes in Bone Mineral
  • Higher Risk For Heart Disease
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Decreased Libido
  • Thyroid Problems
  • Weight Gain, especially in waist and hips

As the transition from peri to post-menopause continues, the menstrual cycles will change. These changes will vary from woman to woman but cycles may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, with more or less time in between until the ovaries stop producing eggs and the menstrual cycles will stop. Post menopause is technically defined as occurring twelve months after your last menstrual cycle. There are sometimes instead of this natural process of declining hormones women may find themselves abruptly in menopause because of a surgical procedure such as hysterectomy or chemotherapy.

While this may be a natural biological process, seeking treatment of the physical and emotional symptoms that come along with menopause is something every woman should be able to discuss with her healthcare provider. Hormone replacement helps, not only with symptoms but also decreases disease risks that are usually associated with the aging process, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancers such as endometrial and breast cancer. No matter what approach you and your healthcare provider decide, the goal is to create and restore a balance to alleviate symptoms that may be causing disruptions in living a quality and fulfilling daily life.

If you are suffering from menopausal symptoms, we recommended talking to your doctor about your symptoms. When approaching your physician remember the only person that can feel a hot flash…is the one having the hot flash. Keep a record of symptoms and their severity as they arise to discuss with your physician.