Perimenopause - Balance Clinic

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause, when a woman's body is going through the transition to permanent infertility. It's the period when estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline as the ovaries prepare to stop releasing eggs.

On average, perimenopause starts for most women around age 47, but it can begin as early as the 30s or 40s. The duration varies too. It typically lasts four years, but perimenopausal symptoms may persist for up to 10 years before menopause.

Some of the key signs and symptoms include:

• Irregular periods - This is often one of the first signs. Menstrual cycles may be longer or shorter, heavier or lighter.
• Hot flashes - Sudden sensations of intense warmth in the upper body, sometimes with sweating and reddening of the skin.
• Night sweats - Episodes of excessive sweating at nighttime. This can disrupt sleep.
• Vaginal dryness - Declining estrogen can cause thinner vaginal tissues and reduced natural lubrication.
• Mood changes - Irritability, anxiety, or depression may present due to hormone fluctuations.
• Difficulty sleeping - Insomnia and nighttime awakening might become issues.
• Loss of breast fullness - Breasts may become less firm and begin sagging.

The unpredictability of symptoms is what makes this time so challenging for many women. Keeping a perimenopause symptom journal can help identify patterns and track what strategies help.

Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and finding ways to manage stress are wise. Some women also find relief by trying our customized bioidentical hormone therapy regimens at Balance Clinic. Our caring providers listen to your unique situation to help balance your hormones for a smoother transition.