Perimenopause

Question 1

Q: What is perimenopause? What happens during perimenopause?

Answer

Perimenopause usually happens for women between 30-50 years of age and is the time when a woman’s ovarian function slowly decreases and the effects of hormonal change start to become evident as the body makes the transition toward menopause. Our bodies respond by altering the production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone. It has been said that the only normal thing about perimenopause is that nothing is normal!

Question 2

Q: What is the normal age for perimenopause?

Answer

The ‘normal’ age for perimenopause varies. Most will become aware of the transition when they reach their mid to late forties, but some women can begin to experience symptoms of perimenopause as early as the age of 35. The length of time and severity of menopause-related symptoms for any individual woman cannot be predicted, and every menopause is unique. Genetic and environmental factors are an important factor in determining when a woman may enter the menopause.

Question 3

Q: What are the signs for perimenopause?

Answer

Although some women will breeze through perimenopause, many will experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Those who experience severe symptoms often find it impacts on quality of life.

No two women are exactly alike and no two women will have exactly the same perimenopause experience.

Symptoms can include:

Irregular periods
Periods that are heavier or lighter than usual
Low libido
Mood swings
Anxiety and depression
PMS
Fatigue
Hot flushes
Insomnia
Weight gain
Anger and irritability
Heart palpitations
Vaginal dryness
Memory loss
Night sweats
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Anaemia
Bloating
Fluid retention
Breast tenderness
Aches and painful joints
Frequent headaches
Urinary incontinence
Dry skin

Question 4

Q: How long does perimenopause last?

Answer

Some women may experience the perimenopause for just a few months but for the vast majority, symptoms will last for around 4 years. In some cases, they can be experienced for up to 10 -15 years.

Question 5

Q: Treatment for perimenopause? How can I balance my hormones during perimenopause?

Answer

There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment for perimenopause. As estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels fluctuate during perimenopause this can result in hormonal imbalance. An optimal balance of hormones is vital to overall wellbeing including brain function, cardiovascular health, bones, vaginal and urethral health. We use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), an alternative to HRT, to replenish these hormones to your optimal levels to maintain health, energy, mood and brain function.

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