By Perimenopausal Diagnosis
Perimenopause is both a natural phase of life and a period of transition that might span years. For this reason, perimenopause is commonly disregarded until the symptoms become severe.
Tell your physician about any other potential causes of your symptoms, such as a thyroid issue or a hormonal imbalance, if you believe they exist (and are not perimenopause). He or she could advocate for hormone testing. Your estrogen and other sex-related hormone levels are assessed using a hormone panel during hormone testing. This type of testing can typically reveal if you are approaching or have reached menopause.
Perimenopause Of Treatment
Perimenopause does not always necessitate medical intervention. If your symptoms are bothering you, though, your doctor can help you find relief. There are several treatment options available, including:
Medication:
Antidepressants may occasionally be used to treat persistent, bothersome hot flashes in women who do not have depression. Another drug occasionally suggested for the treatment of hot flashes is gabapentin (Neurontin).
Hormone replacement treatment (HRT):
Hormone replacement treatment (HRT) is the use of estrogen (and, in some cases, progesterone) to raise hormone levels and alleviate unpleasant symptoms. Hormone treatment artificially restores your body’s hormone levels to their pre-perimenopause levels. This might put you at risk for heart disease and other illnesses. Your doctor will give the lowest effective dose for the shortest time feasible to treat your symptoms. A substantial family history of breast cancer should prevent someone from using hormone replacement therapy. Women with certain blood clotting issues are in the same boat.
Estrogen in the vaginal area:
Women can take prescription estrogen in tablet, cream, or insertable ring form to alleviate vaginal dryness.
Gabapentin:
It’s usual practice to treat epilepsy using gabapentin. However, it can help with some menopausal and perimenopause issues, such as hot flashes.
Antidepressants with SSRIs:
These medications can help women with perimenopause manage their hot flashes and other symptoms. These drugs are routinely suggested to perimenopausal women who are or have ever been depressed. in particular when further treatments, such as hormone therapy, are prohibited due to underlying illnesses or genetic predispositions.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that perimenopause does not mean you can’t get pregnant. Even though you haven’t had a period in a long time or skip them often. During this time, it is still possible to conceive. As you get closer to menopause, though, conception becomes less likely.
Use a dependable type of birth control until one year has elapsed since the end of your last menstruation if you don’t want to get pregnant.
When Should Perimenopause Patients Consult a Doctor?
During perimenopause, some women have only a few symptoms. You should still visit your doctor for routine health examinations. Unless the symptoms of perimenopause cause substantial discomfort, it may not be essential to seek medical help.
If you notice these symptoms before the age of 40, or if they are interfering with your everyday life, you should seek medical attention. You should also speak with your doctor to discover what solutions are available to help you manage your symptoms.
Consult a Doctor if You Observe Any of the Following Atypical Reproductive or Menstrual Symptoms Since They Might Suggest a More Serious Health Issue:
- Having periods that are less than three weeks apart (21 days) on a regular basis.
- Menstrual bleeding lasts for more than seven days at a time.
- Swelling or pain in your abdomen, as well as missing periods.
- Between periods, there is a lot of bleeding.
- Menstrual bleeding that is excessive (changing pads or tampons more than every two hours).
Perimenopause can linger for several years and can cause new health problems. Discuss perimenopause management techniques with your doctor. Our Health’s Perimenopause provides treatment for women from adolescence until menopause. We are available to assist you. This essay is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be used to replace medical advice.
