top of page

Perimenopause

early menopause_edited.jpg

The average age of menopause is 51, but menopause can occur between ages 45 and 55 (or rarely earlier or later). Perimenopausal symptoms can happen up to 10 years prior to menopause! This means that women in their late 30's and early 40's can already begin having symptoms! What are perimenopausal symptoms?

  • hot flashes

  • night sweats

  • brain fog

  • sleep disturbances

  • mood swings

  • anxiety

  • depression

  • vaginal dryness

  • overactive bladder

  • joint pain

  • irregular periods or shorter cycle length

  • weight gain

Treatment Matters

Many women are told that they are too young for menopausal hormone therapy or that there symptoms are "normal" and there is no reason to treat them until their periods stop. It is frustrating to be blown off, and there are absolutely available safe treatments to improve your symptoms and quality of life. These can include:

  • low dose birth control pills to regulate cycles, provide contraception, and add back some hormones

  • menopausal hormone therapy with progesterone alone or estrogen and progesterone

  • vaginal estrogen

 

The answer isn't the same for everyone and should consider your individual symptoms, needs, and preferences.

​

Additionally, according to the Menopause Society and based on scientific evidence, when hormones are started during perimenopause they can treat and prevent anxiety and depression caused by menopause and elevate mood in women without anxiety or depression. However, this does not seem to be true if you wait until after menopause to start hormone therapy. 

bottom of page