What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, which generally occurs around age 50. The average woman will experience perimenopausal symptoms for four years before she reaches menopause. During perimenopause, estrogen levels start to decline and this can cause a variety of symptoms. Some common perimenopause symptoms include:
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- mood swings
- difficulty sleeping
- vaginal dryness
- fatigue
Each woman’s experience with perimenopause is unique and these symptoms can vary in severity from woman to woman. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms as they may be able to help you manage them. There are many treatment options available for perimenopause symptoms, including lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and medications.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time when a woman’s menstrual periods permanently stop. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51. Some common symptoms of menopause include those that are experienced during perimenopause, which is what can make it difficult for women to know which stage they have reached. Just like perimenopause, each woman’s journey with menopause is unique. You may not experience all of the same symptoms or you may experience different symptoms.
How do I learn more about treatment of perimenopause and/or menopause?
Women in the area of Bradenton, FL who are entering into this difficult transition may have a lot of questions for their medical provider. If you are interested in learning more about the “change of life” and are seeking solutions for common symptoms that may be impacting your daily life, call the team at Premier OB/GYN to discuss your needs and work with an experienced doctor that can help!
