Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause. During this time, a woman’s body is preparing to stop having periods.
During this transition, the number of hormones a woman’s ovaries produce varies. Perimenopause can last two to eight years. The average is about four years. The hormone changes can cause symptoms that include:
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Trouble finding words and remembering, also known as brain fog
- Dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth
- Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Breast tenderness
- Decreasing fertility
- Changes in sexual function
- Loss of bone
- Changing cholesterol levels
Perimenopause is caused by changes in two key female hormones: estrogen and progesterone. As a woman goes through perimenopause, these hormones fluctuate, and many of the changes they have during perimenopause are caused by lower estrogen.
Menopause can happen earlier in some women than in others, like before the age of 40, or between the ages of 40 and 45. Certain factors may make it more likely for perimenopause to start at an earlier age, such as:
- Smoking
- Family history
- Cancer treatment
- Hysterectomy
Some health conditions may make early menopause more likely, such as:
- Thyroid disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Other autoimmune diseases
Perimenopause is a gradual change, and there is no single test or symptom that tells it has started. A healthcare provider looks at many things to diagnose perimenopause, including:
- Age
- Menstrual history
- Noticeable symptoms or body changes
Some healthcare providers may order tests to check hormone levels. However, other than checking the thyroid, which affects hormone levels, hormone testing isn’t usually helpful to know if a woman is in perimenopause. That is because hormone levels in perimenopause change unpredictably.
The treatment for perimenopause usually consists of medicines that treat perimenopausal symptoms, such as:
- Hormone therapy
- Vaginal estrogen
- Antidepressants
- Gabapentin
- Fezolinetant
- Oxybutynin
- Birth control pills
If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, call (718) 670 8994 for more information about gynecological services at FHMC’s Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.