Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause kicks off when your hormone levels start to dip, wrapping up when you hit menopause. This phase usually begins in your 40s and lasts around three to five years, but it can start earlier or last longer. During perimenopause, important hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone fluctuate, leading to irregular periods and symptoms similar to menopause.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms:
Additional Symptoms During Perimenopause and Menopause:Our thorough evaluation and treatment options can help maintain your vaginal health, including keeping the lining elastic and ensuring proper blood flow and lubrication. Declining estrogen levels can lead to:
When Do You Reach Menopause?
You’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 straight months, without any other reason like illness, pregnancy, or medication. At this stage, estrogen levels stay consistently low, your periods stop, but menopausal symptoms can persist.
Treatment Options:
Let's Chat! Navigating perimenopause and menopause can be tricky, but you don't have to do it alone. It's best to talk directly with Dr. Saunders to find the perfect solution for you. Come on in, let’s chat, and find the best path forward for your health and happiness!
What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause kicks off when your hormone levels start to dip, wrapping up when you hit menopause. This phase usually begins in your 40s and lasts around three to five years, but it can start earlier or last longer. During perimenopause, important hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone fluctuate, leading to irregular periods and symptoms similar to menopause.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms:
- Weight Gain
- Hot Flashes
- Night Sweats
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Mood Changes
- Fatigue
- High Heart Rate
- Urinary Urgency and Leakage
- Decreased Libido and Sexual response
Additional Symptoms During Perimenopause and Menopause:Our thorough evaluation and treatment options can help maintain your vaginal health, including keeping the lining elastic and ensuring proper blood flow and lubrication. Declining estrogen levels can lead to:
- Vaginal Dryness: Worsens from early perimenopause through menopause, affecting about half of all women.
- Painful Intercourse: Caused by reduced blood flow, loss of lubrication, and changes in vaginal tissue.
- Low Sex Drive: A result of low estrogen and testosterone, along with other menopausal changes.
- Osteoporosis: Bones become brittle due to decreased levels of calcium and Vitamin D.
When Do You Reach Menopause?
You’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 straight months, without any other reason like illness, pregnancy, or medication. At this stage, estrogen levels stay consistently low, your periods stop, but menopausal symptoms can persist.
Treatment Options:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can effectively treat menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss leading to osteoporosis. While HRT is generally safe when started at certain ages, Dr. Saunders will discuss all available options with you, including other medications and natural hormone replacement options.
- State-of-the-Art Vaginal Treatment: At our office, women have access to cutting-edge treatments like the CO2RE Intima. This uses controlled laser energy to stimulate healing in vaginal tissues, boosting collagen, and improving vaginal tone, texture, and lubrication. This can significantly alleviate problems like itching, dryness, and painful intercourse.
Let's Chat! Navigating perimenopause and menopause can be tricky, but you don't have to do it alone. It's best to talk directly with Dr. Saunders to find the perfect solution for you. Come on in, let’s chat, and find the best path forward for your health and happiness!