If you’re experiencing irregularity in your menstruation or symptoms often associated with menopause such as hot flashes, you may have started perimenopause -- the transition to menopause. Dr. Pamela Gaudry, MD, NCMP, FACOG, at the Georgia Center for Menopausal Medicine is an OB/GYN that’s dedicated to helping women better understand this period of their life. She offers both education and treatment for perimenopause at her office in Savannah, Georgia. To learn more, call the office or book an appointment online.
Perimenopause marks your transition into menopause. During perimenopause, your hormone levels rise and fall, causing changes to your menstrual cycle, which might shorten or lengthen.
Perimenopause ends when you go 12 consecutive months without your period, signaling that you’ve clinically reached menopause.
Perimenopause starts at different times for women. Most women start the transition in their 40s; however, some women may begin perimenopause while still in their 30s.
Perimenopause is a normal part of your aging process, but some factors may increase the likelihood of you going through the transition early:
Symptoms of perimenopause are similar to the symptoms women experience during menopause:
You may also experience a change in your cycle, which is often the tell-tale sign that you’re going through the transition. During perimenopause, your cycle may become erratic, causing a heavier than normal flow or the passage of large blood clots. Your change in menstruation may also lead to increased cramping and worsening of your premenstrual symptoms.
Your decreasing estrogen levels cause the symptoms related to perimenopause.
Dr. Pam aims treatment for perimenopause at helping you manage your symptoms to improve your quality of life. Treatment options include:
In addition to medical treatment, Dr. Pam also discusses lifestyle changes you can make to ease your perimenopause symptoms:
Dr. Pam also offers a minimally invasive laser treatment with the MonaLisa Touch® to improve vaginal health and reduce symptoms through the stimulation of collagen production, a structural protein that gives your vaginal skin its resilience. The treatment helps your body rejuvenate vaginal tissue to reduce dryness.
If you’re having a difficult time managing your transition to menopause, call the office or book an appointment online.