Perimenopause is a normal, natural transition that begins several years before menopause. It usually starts in a woman’s 40s but can start in her 30s or even earlier. For some women, perimenopause lasts just a few months. For others, it can last up to 10 years. While the exact cause of perimenopause is unknown, we do know that it is a natural process that happens to all women as they age.
During perimenopause, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. This can cause symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. You might have just a few symptoms or many. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have concerns about perimenopause, please consult with Welzo. They will be able to help you determine if you are indeed in perimenopause and what treatment options are available to you.
How to test at home:
One way to test is to take an at-home blood test for perimenopause. Welzo has developed a unique system for collecting and testing small samples of blood. Its system is so compact that it can be used in virtually any setting, including at home.
The process is very simple. First, you order a perimenopause test kit from Welzo. The kit comes with everything you need to collect a small sample of blood. Once you have your test kit delivered, all you need to do is collect a small sample of blood on one of the company’s specially designed testing strips. Once you have your sample, you simply mail it back to Welzo using the provided shipping envelope. Within 24 hours, you will receive your results via email.
Some Common Treatments
The good news is that there are treatments available to help ease your symptoms and make this transition more manageable.
Treatment options for perimenopause vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual woman’s preferences. Some non-invasive treatment options include
- Herbal remedies such as black cohosh or red clover
- Birth control pills or other hormone replacement therapy
- Stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation
- Regular exercise
- Adjusting sleep habits
- Dietary changes such as eating more soy-based products
- Hormone therapy:
Estrogen is the hormone most associated with perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Hormone therapy (HT) involves taking estrogen alone or estrogen combined with progesterone (another hormone produced by the ovaries). HT comes in many forms, including pills, vaginal creams and tablets, skin patches, and gels. It can be taken with or without a progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) Your healthcare provider will help you decide which type of hormone therapy is right for you based on your individual needs and health history
- Low-dose birth control pills:
For women who do not want to take hormone therapy or antidepressants, low-dose birth control pills can sometimes be an effective treatment for perimenopausal symptoms. Birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Taking low-dose birth control pills can help regulate your hormone levels and ease perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking birth control pills before starting any type of HT regimen
- Antidepressants:
Some antidepressants can help relieve hot flashes and night sweats by affecting the parts of the brain that control body temperature. Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline and nortriptyline) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to be effective in treating hot flashes associated with perimenopause
- Herbal Supplements:
There are a number of herbal supplements that have been traditionally used to treat perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Some of the most popular herbs include black cohosh, red clover, ginseng, dong quai, and soy. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements as they can interact with other medications you may be taking or have other potential side effects
- Lifestyle Changes:
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help to ease perimenopausal symptoms. Exercise can help to improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels, both of which can contribute to hot flashes and other symptoms. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also help to manage perimenopausal symptoms by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally during this time of transition
For women who prefer not to take medication or who have not had success with lifestyle changes, there are also surgical options available. The most common surgical option for perimenopause is a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and sometimes the ovaries as well. This procedure alleviates most menopausal symptoms but is considered a permanent solution. As with any surgery, there are risks involved which should be discussed with a doctor prior to scheduling the procedure.
You can also learn more about men’s and women’s health from Welzo
Conclusion
If you are diagnosed with perimenopause, there are a number of treatment options available to you depending on your individual needs and preferences. Some women opt for hormone therapy or antidepressants, while others find relief through low – dose birth control pills, herbal supplements, or lifestyle changes. Talk with your healthcare provider about what option might be best for you. With proper care, most women are able to manage their perimenopausal symptoms without too much difficulty.
