What is perimenopause?
The only constant is change when it comes to a woman’s body. Women who find themselves in a transitional time leading up to menopause have entered the stage of perimenopause. This can be a time that is physically and emotionally unpredictable. Fortunately, the highly trained team of San Antonio gynecologists at Legacy Women’s Health can help women manage perimenopausal symptoms with expert and compassionate care.
Don’t wait to manage perimenopausal symptoms
The years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, are different for every woman. Starting in your 30s and 40s, the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries fluctuates. This change is marked by a more erratic menstrual cycle. The time between periods might become longer or shorter, or you might skip periods. The amount of flow may become lighter or heavier.
Unfortunately, some women feel they must endure this transition to menopause alone and suffer for years before making an appointment with one of our experienced San Antonio gynecologists. Our team at Legacy Women’s Health wants patients to find relief sooner rather than later, and encourages women to schedule an appointment if they are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms.
- A change in your period
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats and insomnia
- Mood swings
- Increased weight gain, which may accumulate in the midsection
- Vaginal changes, including dryness and/or an increase in infections
- Urinary tract changes, possible incontinence and/or an increase in infections
How is perimenopause treated?
Thankfully, there are options to ease this time of transition in a woman’s life. Our San Antonio gynecologists are well-equipped to help patients navigate the challenges that arise before entering menopause. Our team of OBGYNs customizes care for each patient when discussing various available treatment options.
- Hormonal therapy – Hormone therapy can help calm the hormonal chaos and alleviate hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. The path to an improved quality of life can involve taking estrogen, and, for those who have never had a hysterectomy and still have a uterus, a hormone called progestin. Estrogen plus progestin is called “combined hormone therapy.” This can be delivered orally, through the skin, or internally. In recent years, additional research has enabled a deeper understanding of the initiation and delivery of hormone treatment, allowing our San Antonio OBGYNs to carefully consider individual needs to achieve effective and appropriate treatment.
- Non-hormonal treatment – This can include prescription antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that may reduce hot flashes during menopause. Other prescription medications, such as gabapentin and clonidine, can help with hot flashes and sleep issues.
- Lifestyle considerations – A nutritional, balanced diet emphasizing calcium and Vitamin D, and a regular exercise routine to strengthen muscles and bones, are important to safeguard a woman’s health.
While perimenopause is not discussed as much as menopause, it is a time of hormonal flux that can be difficult for women to navigate alone. Our expert San Antonio gynecologists provide supportive and experienced care for those struggling with perimenopausal symptoms. Contact us to learn how we can help.
