The terminology surrounding menopause can be confusing, with terms such as perimenopause and premenopause being used interchangeably. You may also have questions about what age you’ll go through menopause or how you can overcome frustrating menopause symptoms. This guide discusses all of that and more, but first what about perimenopause vs. menopause? Read on to learn more about what these terms mean.
Perimenopause vs. Menopause
So what’s the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Perimenopause refers to the transitional period before reaching menopause, the point in which you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause marks the time when you begin to notice signs of menopause, like hot flashes, irregular periods, irritability and mood swings, and vaginal dryness. While your estrogen levels are declining and other hormones become imbalanced, it is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. Once you’ve reached menopause, you’ve come to the end of your reproductive years.
The Stages of Menopause
- Premenopause
This is the stage before you start having any menopause symptoms. You’re still in the middle of your reproductive years and have periods, whether they’re irregular or regular.
- Perimenopause
This stage marks the beginning of the menopausal transition. Age can vary, from late 30s to early 50s, with the average age being 45. Perimenopause can last for several months all the way to several years, as it’s different for everyone. Symptoms include insomnia, hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, changes to menstrual cycle and libido, vaginal discomfort during sex, frequent urination, and weight gain.
- Menopause
As previously mentioned, menopause is the point in which you’ve not had a period in 12 months. This means you’re no longer able to get pregnant. You may also continue to experience the symptoms of perimenopause as your hormone levels fluctuate. Women reach menopause at different ages, but the average is around 52 years old.
- Post Menopause
After you’ve reached menopause, the rest of your life is referred to as post menopause. The effects of hormone imbalances from menopause can result in poor bone mineral density, a risk factor for osteoporosis, which is why treating hormonal imbalances is so important.
Treatment For Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural phase of life, and while there isn’t a cure or way to stop it from happening, there are certainly treatment options for symptom relief. Balancing your hormones with diet, lifestyle, and supplements can go a long way in improving how you feel on a daily basis. Our pharmacy experts can recommend wellness products, from magnesium to DHEA, available to buy online at our supplement store. In addition, prescription medication in the form of natural hormone therapy is available. Our compounding services for women’s health allow us to make personalized dosage strengths and forms, so you can get the exact amount of hormones your body needs. The benefits of hormone therapy for women not only include fast relief from menopause symptoms but also have long-lasting effects, from reducing the risk of osteoporosis and other chronic conditions later in life.
Now you know more about perimenopause vs. menopause. Don’t suffer with your menopause symptoms; get in touch with us today about HRT for women! Other hormonal imbalances can also affect menopausal women, and we can help you discover thyroid and adrenal imbalances as well as other hormones like cortisol, which could be worsening your sleep, mood, and other menopause symptoms.
