Perimenopause and menopause are personal milestones, and each woman’s experience is unique. These natural transitions may come with a variety of symptoms that can vary from nonexistent to severe. Some symptoms can interfere with your daily life or may overlap with symptoms from other conditions, making it a challenge to figure out what’s happening.

Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction and mood changes. Most symptoms will improve after menopause, with or without treatment, but many different factors affect the severity of the symptoms.

These body changes are different for every woman, and each must decide for themselves whether the symptoms are bothersome enough to seek treatment. Lifestyle changes may be enough for some, while others may need non-prescription remedies or prescription options to manage their symptoms. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause that are interfering with your life, or you simply have questions about how to navigate the changes, our trusted providers are here to meet your individual needs delivering the highest level of care using evidence-based practices. To make an appointment, call (936) 220-1013 or click here to schedule online.

THREE STAGES OF MENOPAUSE 
Menopause is a natural transition with three transitional stages: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. As your hormone levels begin to change, you may experience physical and emotional symptoms.

The transition usually starts between ages 45 and 55.

Perimenopause
During this transitional period before menopause, your body is moving toward the end of your reproductive years. Your levels of estrogen start to decrease, causing your menstrual cycle to become erratic or irregular. It’s a natural progression, but it comes with physical and emotional symptoms that can be uncomfortable or disruptive.

Perimenopause can begin as early as your mid-30s or as late as your mid-50s. Some women experience perimenopause for a short time, while others are in it for several years. It is still possible to get pregnant while you are in perimenopause.

Menopause
When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached menopause. Twelve consecutive months without a period is considered the hallmark of menopause, but symptoms can continue after that point. This stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children.

Women who smoke and are underweight may experience an earlier menopause, while women who are overweight may have a later menopause. Generally, a woman tends to go through menopause at about the same age as her mother.

Postmenopause
During the stage following menopause, your hormone levels begin to stabilize and symptoms become milder or go away altogether. 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
There are several therapies to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms. You should discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your healthcare provider before starting any regimen.

Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy (HT) usually involves taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause, although treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique situation and other options are available. HT is commonly prescribed in pill form, but estrogen can be given by using skin patches or vaginal creams.

Estrogen Therapy
Estrogen therapy (ET) involves taking just estrogen. ET is often prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy, and can be prescribed as pills, skin patches or vaginal creams.

Non-hormonal Treatment
This treatment involves the use of other types of medicines to relieve some of the symptoms.

Estrogen alternatives
So-called "synthetic estrogens" like ospemifene can improve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy without affecting endometrial cancer risk.