*The results described are not typical and will vary based on a variety of factors.

Perimenopause

The Transitional Stage

PerimenopausePerimenopause is the stage between normal regular menstrual periods to menopause when a woman stops having a menstrual cycle. In this transitional stage, your estrogen, testosterone and progesterone levels are constantly in flux. During this phase ovarian hormonal patterns change and irregular cycles develop. The average age to enter perimenopause is approximately age 45, but in many cases it can start as early as age 35. Women can experience a combination of symptoms from PMS to many of the common symptoms seen in menopause.

 How Long Is Perimenopause:

The length of perimenopause varies for every woman, starting either just a few months before menopause or even several years before menopause. Women in perimenopause often experience a change in their menstrual cycle.

The First Signs Of Hormonal Imbalance:

Weight gain during premenopause is one of the first signs of hormonal imbalance and is often times misdiagnosed. These signs of early menopause are often exacerbated by lifestyle and environmental factors such as elevated stress levels, diets high in simple carbohydrates, lack of exercise and the environmental toxins your body is exposed to on a daily basis.

The oscillating hormones levels of especially progesterone and estrogen (the two PMS causing hormones) may alter brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters.

One neurotransmitter in particular that is affected during the menstrual cycle is serotonin. This fluctuation results in increased appetite, carbohydrate cravings, and may cause depression and weight gain. Also, altering levels of the neurotransmitter GABA whose role is to help women to feel calm and relaxed, can result in anxiety, irritability and tension.

Common Perimenopause Symptoms Include:

  • Irregular Periods
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Heavy Bleeding
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Hot Flashes
  • Hair Loss
  • Diminished Libido
  • Weight Gain
  • Dry Eyes
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Mood Swings
  • Memory Loss

What Marks The End Of Perimenopause:

During perimenopause, it is common for there to be extreme variations in the menstrual cycles.  A normal menstrual cycle is roughly 21 days however during perimenopause the cycle will vary and likely start progressing to being longer than 45 days cycles. A woman is not considered to be in menopause until she has not had a period for one year. During this transitional period, women can experience many of the same signs of menopause and can find relief with bio-identical hormone therapy. Hot flashes, low libido, trouble sleeping, heavy menstrual cycles and weight gain are the most common perimenopause symptoms as a woman ages.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement For Women:

Natural hormone therapy offers the opportunity to regain a normal cycle and to experience relief from the extreme symptoms of perimenopause. Our specially trained physicians will balance your hormones and create a customized treatment and lifestyle plan for you. This allows for immediate relief from the undesirable symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Allowing you to enjoy your life to its fullest.*

Call our office now at 407-210-2101 or schedule a FREE Perimenopause consultation.

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