Perimenopause and Menopause Treatment
Menopause, which marks the end of menstrual cycles, is a gradual process. Before menopause, women in their 40s might face irregular periods, hot flashes and sleep disturbances. This transitional phase, known as perimenopause, occurs as estrogen levels fluctuate over months or years. While perimenopause is a natural aging process, some women transition directly to menopause without noticeable symptoms.
What Is Menopause?
In the United States, around 1.3 million women enter menopause every year. Menopause signifies the natural and irreversible end of menstrual cycles due to a drop in estrogen levels, not linked to any disease. The term menopause comes from the Greek words “pausis” (pause) and “men” (month). The absence of menstruation for a year signals the end of a woman’s reproductive phase. The average age for natural menopause in the country is 51. While most women experience hot flashes, menopause can also impact various other body systems, including the urogenital, psychological and cardiovascular systems.
What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause?
Perimenopause and menopause signify the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause. The terms premenopause and perimenopause are sometimes used interchangeably, though perimenopause is the medically accepted term.
What Causes Menopause?
During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop releasing eggs, which leads to a reduction in the production of estrogen and progesterone, the primary female hormones. The decrease in these hormones triggers menopause symptoms. Surgical menopause occurs when surgical procedures result in a significant drop in estrogen levels, such as when both ovaries are removed. Additionally, menopause can sometimes be induced by medications used in chemotherapy or hormone therapy (HT) for treating breast cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
Menopause symptoms differ among women and can persist for five years or longer. Some women experience more intense symptoms than others. Surgical menopause often leads to more severe and abrupt symptoms.
Changes occur gradually but may also become more often or less often. Some women might have their period every three weeks before they begin to miss periods. Irregular periods can occur for one to three years before they stop completely.
Common menopause symptoms include:
- Menstrual periods that occur less often and eventually stop
- Heart pounding or racing
- Hot flashes usually worst during the first one to two years
- Night sweats
- Skin flushing
- Sleeping problems (insomnia)
Other menopause symptoms may include:
- Decreased interest in sex or changes in sexual response
- Forgetfulness (in some women)
- Headaches
- Mood swings, including irritability, depression and anxiety
- Urine leakage
- Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
- Vaginal infections
- Joint aches and pains
- Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Today, there are various treatments available to address both perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, including prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, complementary therapies and home remedies. Here are some options for menopausal care:
- Symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, occur due to hormonal changes impacting the circulatory system. Avoid warm environments, spicy foods and hot drinks to manage these symptoms. Research indicates that low-dose estrogen, available as a pill or patch, is the most effective treatment for severe hot flashes and night sweats.
- Oral contraceptives in small doses can help regulate irregular periods, reduce heavy bleeding and reduce cramping and can be taken until menopause.
- Vaginal estrogen in forms such as creams, rings, tablets or gels, along with vaginal moisturizers, can help relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
What Are the Stages of Menopause?
There are three stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
- Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, resulting from the ovaries' reduced production of estrogen and other sex hormones, which leads to the cessation of menstruation.
- Perimenopause, the period leading up to menopause, usually starts between ages 45 and 55 and lasts an average of three to four years but can extend up to 10 to 14 years. During this transition, bone density decreases and fat distribution changes, increasing the risk of fractures and weight gain.
- Postmenopause follows menopause, marking the transition from one stage to another. It begins three to six years after menopause. Symptoms like hot flashes may persist for several years but usually diminish over time, though some changes can be permanent. Elevated cholesterol levels during perimenopause and menopause increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. A healthy diet rich in calcium is crucial for maintaining bone strength.
Perimenopause and menopause can bring about some unwelcome changes, but it is essential to remember that not all aspects of these transitions are negative. Consulting with a certified nurse midwife about supplements, dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications can help women navigate these stages more comfortably.
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Let us help you take charge of your health with exceptional care through all the stages of your life. Whether you are a young woman, just starting a family, or in a menopausal stage, we are here for you at each step of your journey with comprehensive women’s wellness screenings and compassionate care. Connect with us at 936-305-5277 to schedule a consultation today. Please don’t delay care.