Perimenopausal symptoms
Symptoms often appear gradually and are easy to dismiss. These are some of the most common:
- 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 their 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 safe treatments available 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.
According to the Menopause Society, and based on scientific evidence, when hormones are started during perimenopause they can treat and prevent the 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.
You don't have to wait it out.
If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, let's talk through your options together — on your schedule, from home.
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This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult Dr. Stone about your specific situation.