Understanding the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause: How To Know Which Phase You’re in and the Best Ways To Treat It
Understanding the difference between perimenopause and menopause is key to navigating the physical and emotional changes women experience during the various stages of life.
Each phase has distinct symptoms and timelines that can impact a woman’s health and well-being. Knowing which phase you’re in can help you seek the right treatment and manage symptoms more effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between perimenopause and menopause, along with some ways that Dr. Imtiaz can help you with your journey through them.
Perimenopause vs. Menopause
Menopause is the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and thus her reproductive ability. The period leading up to this is called perimenopause (literally, “around menopause”) and involves the body’s transition to menopause.
Menopause is the point in time when the ovaries stop producing female hormones. During perimenopause, which usually spans several years, this process slows down, preparing for complete cessation.
Reveal Med Spa is here to support you as you learn to adapt to your evolving health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Hormonal Changes
Perimenopause
During this stage of life, your ovaries begin to produce fluctuating amounts of hormones, such as Progesterone and Estrogen — hormones that contribute to the support of many organs and functions, including:
- The reproductive cycle
- The urinary tract
- The heart and blood vessels
- Mucous membranes
- The brain
- Bones
- And more
Most of the symptoms of perimenopause are a result of a drastic decline in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Menopause
At this point, the ovaries make so little estrogen that ovulation does not occur, marking an end to the reproductive years.
Because of estrogen’s role in other important body processes, its absence contributes to health risks in these areas:
- Regulation of bone density: Without estrogen to support bone strength, the bones become more porous and prone to fractures.
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: Cognitive decline has been associated with a decrease in Estrogen levels, and data supports the use of estrogen therapy in reducing the risk of developing dementia.
Symptoms
Perimenopause
As your body adjusts to falling estrogen levels, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Heavier or lighter periods than normal
- Mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Low libido, possibly due to vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Insomnia
- Frequent urination
Each woman and her journey through menopause is unique. Some women may experience all of the symptoms and others may sail through perimenopause without significant problems. Please feel free to contact Dr. Imtiaz to discuss your unique situation.
Menopause
Many of these symptoms overlap with those of perimenopause, but tend to be more intense. These symptoms may include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Insomnia
- Dry skin, including vaginal dryness
- Frequent urination
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
A physical exam and discussion with Dr. Imitaz at this time can help you determine whether your symptoms are a result of menopause or another health issue.
How To Treat Perimenopause and Menopause
The journey through perimenopause and menopause may lead to differing symptoms for different patients. Your individual journey is unique.
Dr. Imtiaz strongly believes in individualizing care of each of her patients and she tailors the treatment plan based on each individual patient’s symptoms. To develop a plan tailored specifically to your experience of perimenopause and menopause, schedule a consultation with Dr. Imtiaz to determine what combination of the following treatments will be effective in your case.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
In order to alleviate certain symptoms of perimenopause and menopause and to possibly reduce your risk of the health conditions associated with low hormone levels, you might consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
You can choose from many options of synthetically derived hormones or plant-derived bioidentical hormones. Hormone replacement therapy can be administered in the form of creams, gels, patches, pills, and pellets.
Bioidentical forms (BHRT) are designed to be chemically identical to natural hormones, making them more readily usable by the body.
At Reveal Med Spa, Dr. Imtiaz can help you learn more about the options available for HRT, weigh the pros and cons of each option, and determine which might be right for you.
Medication
Many women find that some medications provide immense relief from various symptoms of perimenopause and menopause:
- Vaginal creams can help relieve vaginal dryness and decrease pain during intercourse.
- Antidepressants may help with mood changes and hot flashes. Alternatively, you may find relief from severe hot flashes by taking Gabapentin (a seizure medication).
- Oxybutynin may also be effective in treating an overactive bladder.
Talk with your doctor to ensure you understand the risks and benefits of any medicines you are considering. Your doctor can make suggestions not listed here if it is appropriate in your context.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some positive changes to your habits and routines can help you manage the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause without medication.
- Eat a healthy diet of lean protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Get regular, weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and strength training. This can help you manage weight gain and mood problems.
- Follow a routine of relaxation before bedtime. Avoid screens, alcohol, and caffeine. Keep your home cooler, and meditate or try other stress management techniques, such as a warm bath or yoga stretches. (These are also good things to do throughout the day.)
- Abstain from tobacco products.
- Maintain a healthy weight. This will contribute to your overall well being and reduce your risk of bone injury.
- Don’t nap during the day, since this can be detrimental to your nighttime sleep quality.
- Wear layers so you can find some relief during a hot flash or sweating episode.
FAQs About Perimenopause and Menopause
How Do I Know If I’m in Perimenopause or Menopause?
The best way to ascertain which stage you are in is to determine how long it has been since you’ve had a period. If it has been at least 12 months in a row, you are considered to be in menopause.
Because some of the symptoms of perimenopause can occur before this stage actually begins, you might wish to have tests performed to help determine whether you are indeed experiencing perimenopause.
A formal diagnosis for perimenopause is not necessary, but you might appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing another health condition isn’t the cause of your symptoms. Schedule an exam to discuss your symptoms with Dr. Imtiaz at Reveal Medspa.
What Is the Average Age for Perimenopause?
The age of perimenopause onset and the duration of this stage are extremely variable among women. Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 47 and 54, and perimenopause precedes it by 3-4 years, on average, meaning it may start between the ages of 43 and 50.
How Long Does Perimenopause Last?
Perimenopause may last as little as several months, but it typically lasts about 4 years. Some women experience a much longer perimenopausal period (8-15 years).
It officially ends when menopause starts. The precise time of menopause can only be determined retrospectively because a woman’s menstrual cycle should be absent for 12 months before she is considered to have reached menopause.
What Are Periods Like During Perimenopause?
The unpredictable fluctuations in estrogen that characterize perimenopause contribute to irregularity in your menstrual cycle. This could mean:
- More frequent or less frequent periods
- Spotting in between periods
- A heavier or lighter flow
- Increased or decreased duration of flow
While ovulation may sometimes not take place during perimenopause, it is still possible to become pregnant at this time. It’s important to use reliable contraception to avoid unintended pregnancy.
Dr. Farhina Imtiaz at Reveal Med Spa Is a Board-Certified Gynecologist Specializing in Hormone Treatments for Women and Men
Reveal Med Spa has been serving Houston for nearly a decade, offering health and cosmetic care to help our clients as they strive for physical and mental well being. Our services include:
- Hormone therapy: This is not limited to women. Hormone therapy is available to assist in the following circumstances:
- Menopause
- Andropause
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Adrenal fatigue
- Declining human growth hormone
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Vaginal rejuvenation: Procedures can help restore vaginal health and appearance after childbirth and age-related changes.
- Medical weight loss: Our approach combines supplements, diet, and exercise guidance to help clients lose weight and reduce risk of developing weight-related health conditions.
- Aesthetic treatments: These include injectables to reduce the signs of aging, skin tightening, and other skin treatments.
- Comprehensive gynecological treatment
If you’re experiencing perimenopause or menopause, you may desire additional support from a trusted healthcare provider. Dr. Farhina Imtiaz, gynecological surgeon and leader of the team at Reveal Med Spa, has over 25 years of experience providing holistic care to men and women seeking treatment for hormonal changes and other health issues.
Her approach to treatment for hormonal deficiencies and imbalances involves a combination of HRT, supplements, and lifestyle recommendations. Besides offering traditional HRT, she is specially trained in the administration of BHRT.
Before treating you, we will discuss your health history and concerns as well as perform bloodwork to determine which hormone therapies are feasible options and align most with your health goals and preferences.
If you want to look and feel your best as you grow older, Reveal Med Spa can make all the difference in a safe and positive way. Contact us today to set up an appointment to begin feeling better during the challenging time of perimenopause or menopause.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.