Perimenopause

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period leading up to the final transition between your reproductive and nonreproductive years (which is menopause). During this period, your ovaries release fewer eggs and produce less estrogen.

Most women begin perimenopause in their 40s, though some start in their late 30s. The average time women spend in this stage is four years before they make the final transition through menopause and their ovaries shut down for good. During the last two years of perimenopause, the reduction in your reproductive hormones accelerates, which can bring on a number of symptoms.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

Thanks to the increasing loss of estrogen and progesterone, you may feel one or more of these symptoms:

• Erratic periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Urge and/or stress incontinence
• Mood swings
• Weight gain

No two women are alike, and hormones affect women in different ways. So, while one woman may not even notice that she’s in perimenopause, others feel the full brunt of the drop in hormones.

How are the side effects of perimenopause treated?

When you come in to see Dr. Amersi, it’s likely that you’re seeking help for problems with your genitourinary health, which is an all-inclusive term that encompasses your vaginal, pelvic, and urinary health.

Women going through perimenopause may be affected by vaginal tissue that’s thinning and drying out, making sex painful. This loss in tissue health can also lead to a loss in bladder support, causing problems with incontinence.

Dr. Amersi sits down with you to review your concerns and develop a treatment plan based on your needs and goals. As part of this plan, she may recommend vaginal laser rejuvenation. During these treatments, the laser energy passes through your vaginal walls to signal a collagen and elastin response below, which can help improve tissue health and vaginal dryness.

In addition to the vaginal laser rejuvenation, Dr. Amersi may also recommend:

• Vaginal reconstruction
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Pelvic floor exercises
• A pessary to help support your pelvic organs

If you’re experiencing troublesome perimenopause symptoms, call the office to learn more about our Holistic Gynecology services. You can also request an appointment online at any time.