“Perimenopause vs. menopause” is a common way to differentiate between these two phases of change in a woman’s life. A more accurate way of explaining this transition, though, is “perimenopause and menopause vs. Y-O-U.” Reaching a certain age and realizing that the dozens of new, confusing symptoms you’re experiencing could indicate perimenopause is a relief and a drain when you discover this will be your reality for a while. Time to learn more about what’s happening now and the preventive care needed to help with what’s ahead.
The Overwhelming Invasiveness of Perimenopause
Perimenopause isn’t a chronic condition but it sure can feel like one. You will have fluctuating periods, sometimes light and sometimes heavy, sometimes frequent and sometimes with months in between. Cramps can be more intense than ever because of significant changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, causing the uterus to contract during and outside of your periods.
You also have other common symptoms of perimenopause with more showing up as months go by. It’s difficult to compile an exhaustive list of perimenopause symptoms, but if you’re in perimenopause, you can likely relate to many of the following:
- Aching joints
- Bone loss
- Decreased libido
- Dry eyes
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Low energy
- Memory issues
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
The Briefness of Menopause
Many people mistake menopause for the end of periods and the beginning of major mid-life physical changes that happen to women, but that’s not quite accurate. Menopause is only one day or a brief series of days – the term signifies that you have experienced your very last period. You won’t know that you reached menopause until you have gone at least one year without a period, and by that point you will have been postmenopausal nearly the entire time.
The Post-Menopausal Lifestyle
Alas, making it through perimenopause and reaching that menopause milestone doesn’t mean the many symptoms that make you uncomfortable are going away. Some of them will change and others will stick around, reminding you that your hormones have shifted considerably. Decent fitness, good nutrition, and quality sleep matter more now than ever if you want to feel like you have enough energy, stamina, and happiness and are beating these post-menopausal symptoms.
Ideally, you reach out to me, Dr. Maria Swetech, long before you reach perimenopause, so we can discuss your well-being and figure out ways to make you feel better and manage your hormonal changes. Through diet, movement, hormone therapy, and other interventions, you can weather middle age and the shifts that your body goes through without feeling like you’ve been in a battle.
Allow me to support you on your women’s health journey, and especially as you learn about perimenopause vs. menopause and everything in between. Contact me, Dr. Maria, to schedule an appointment and discuss preventive care, important health screenings, and how you can feel your best.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
