Climbing the age ladder has its perks. We become wiser, develop a deeper sense of appreciation for the small things, skip lines at the grocery store, are excused for inappropriate behavior, and most importantly, are awarded senior discounts. Less celebratory though, are the signs and symptoms of menopause.

Perimenopause, or menopause transition, refers to the time period in a woman’s lifecycle when hormone levels begin to decline, leading to the initial signs and symptoms of menopause. Perimenopausal symptoms can start anywhere from 7-10 years prior to menopause and can be treated, despite not having officially transitioned into menopause.

How to know if you’re in menopause:

Women are considered menopausal when they have not had a menstrual cycle for 1 year or when their ovaries have been removed or stop functioning. Minimal to no estrogen, progesterone or testosterone in the bloodstream can cause you to feel overwhelmed and “out of balance”. The most common menopausal symptoms are:

1. Hot flashes
2. Night sweats
3. Fatigue
4. Irritability
5. Mind fog
6. Difficulty concentrating
7. Decreased sex drive
8. Insomnia
9. Weight gain
10. Anxiety
11. Depression

Proper hormone balance can alleviate symptoms and restore the quality of life. Some women may choose instead, to avoid hormones and use herbs or medications to improve their symptoms.

Don’t suffer alone.

To find out if you’re in menopause visit Dr. Mia to have your hormone levels checked. You should especially schedule a visit if you still have your ovaries and no uterus. It is less obvious to determine if you have transitioned into menopause when menstruation has stopped due to the removal of your uterus.

You don’t have to go through the not-so-glamorous side of aging alone.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Mia today to discuss your options.

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