Ease Your Transition into Menopause

Hot flashes, irregular periods and mood swings are typically labeled menopause. Today, your doctor is more likely to call this perimenopause, a term for the transitional years leading up to the end of menstruation.

Perimenopause often begins in your late 40s and can last two to 10 years. During this time, the ovaries gradually become smaller and fertility declines. Levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone become unstable. At times, estrogen levels may be higher, which may trigger symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). At other times, estrogen levels may decrease, which may trigger irregular periods, painful sex and hot flashes or night sweats.

Perimenopause

Some doctors use blood tests to assess, but one of the most reliable ways to detect perimenopause may be to look at symptoms.

• Hot flashes – sudden surges in body heat, causing flushing and sweating. Hot flashes that disrupt sleep are called night sweats.
  Try this: Keep cool by dressing in easy-to-shed layers, keep the room temperature cool and a fan handy, drink cold water, and avoid spicy foods. Log hot flashes in a journal to identify triggers.
• Irregular menstrual cycles – your period may change in frequency and flow. You may have spotting between periods.
  Try this: Your provider may recommend low-dose birth control pills. These can regulate periods, decrease any heavy bleeding.
• Urinary issues – you may have sudden or frequent urination, leakage and more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  Try this: Daily Kegel exercises can increase bladder control by strengthening pelvic muscles.
• Vaginal problems – may include dryness, itching or irritation of the vagina and genitals, which can make sex uncomfortable.
  Try this: Water-based vaginal lubricants can help, or talk with your doctor about using prescription estrogen products.
• Hormonal or stressed out? – about the time of perimenopause, many women report feeling sad or angry. Some say they have difficulty concentrating and their moods swing from one extreme to another.
  Try this: Practice stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation. Stay active with aerobic activity and strength training to strengthen bones, lose weight, boost mood, and aid with sleep.

Treatment for Perimenopause

Hormone replacement therapy is used, if needed, to treat perimenopausal symptoms and can help prevent bone loss. Your doctor can determine which hormone therapy is right for you.

• Systemic hormone therapy. A high-dose of estrogen can be used to treat any of the common symptoms of perimenopause.
• Low-dose vaginal products. A low-dose of estrogen minimizes the amount of estrogen absorbed by the body and is used to treat the vaginal and urinary symptoms of perimenopause.

If perimenopause is making your life difficult, talk with your care provider. Together, you can choose the treatment option that’s right for you and find relief.

Find Relief

Board-certified OB-GYN, Dr. Clare Rudolph provides gynecological, obstetrical and fertility services in South Lake Tahoe, CA and Minden, NV with Barton Obstetrics & Gynecology. Looking for an OB-GYN? Visit BartonHealth.org or call 530.543.5711 (Lake Tahoe) or 775.364.1411 (Carson Valley).