Perimenopause marks the shift leading up to menopause, characterized by continued menstruation alongside diminishing ovarian activity and fluctuating reproductive hormone levels. Although it can begin as early as a woman's 30s, according to research published inContemporary OB/GYN Journalindicates that it generally starts around the age of 45, according to theCleveland Clinic.
While all women who menstruate will eventually go through menopause, roughly 75% to 80% of women in the United States report experiencing perimenopause symptoms that can vary significantly in intensity.StatPearls. Sadly, women's symptoms are sometimes misinterpreted or ignored, which can be particularly difficult since perimenopause can persist for months or even years.
"The menstrual flow might change in intensity, becoming lighter or heavier, or the frequency of periods could shift, occurring more or less often," she explains.Julie Taylor, MD, MPH, is a doctor specializing in functional medicine and menopause, and the writer of"The Hormone Manual": An Easy-to-Understand Handbook for Women of All Ages and Life StagesOther signs of perimenopause may involve sleep problems, shifts in mood, feelings of worry, sadness, lower sex drive, putting on weight, and trouble concentrating. Some less frequent symptoms could bejoint pain, tinnitus, and headaches.
Dr. Taylor explains further: "Virtually any new symptom that arises during this stage of life might be connected to perimenopause."
Ahead, Toby Amidor, who holds a Master of Science, is a Registered Dietitian, and is a Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist., a licensed nutritionist based in New York and the writer ofHealth ShotsShe recounts her irritating experience when she began observing strange hormonal shifts at 48 years old. Despite working in clinical healthcare, she felt unequipped to manage her vexing symptoms.
Discover her journey as she sought explanations and appropriate care for her perimenopausal condition.
Recognizing the Onset of Perimenopause in Myself
As recounted by Toby Amidor to Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN.
The start of my experience with perimenopause.
I took birth control pills for a minimum of 10 years, and my OB-GYN never suggested I discontinue use. At 48, I inquired about getting my hormone levels tested. My gynecologist, who had never discussed perimenopause with me, said bloodwork wasn't needed until I was over 50. I was under the impression that I wouldn't experience perimenopause until after that age.
The effect of my symptoms on my everyday activities.
I had a feeling about something.offI felt extremely tired, had trouble sleeping, and relied heavily on my daily naps. I'm an active USTA tennis player on several teams, and I lead three of them. For about a year, my joints ached, and I'd limp away from the tennis courts. My thinking was so cloudy that focusing was a real struggle.
And I was hungry allOver time, I steadily put on weight. Despite using my knowledge as a registered dietitian to reduce my calorie intake by the correct amount, I wasn't losing any weight, and my clothes kept getting tighter. This was incredibly disheartening. Because I work remotely and have a demanding workload, I aim for convenient meal choices. Even with my nutrition expertise, sometimes the fastest solution is to reach for a cookie!
My aha moment
I was fifty years old and still using contraception, and I'd been voicing my concerns foryearsI mentioned to my therapist that I was having trouble sleeping. Upon hearing that I was discontinuing birth control, she advised me to consult my gynecologist to determine if I was entering perimenopause.
What?!Wait a minute...doesn't perimenopause typically kick in around 50?
Unbeknownst to me, I was deeply immersed in it.
Receiving my perimenopause diagnosis and beginning treatment.
In the opening month of 2025, I found myself...miserableMy condition had been worsening over the past few years, mainly with consistent weight gain. Any attempt to reduce my calorie intake, even slightly, only made me feel even more ravenous for days afterward. Consequently, around the middle of January, I started searching for a gynecologist with expertise in perimenopause. The earliest appointment I could secure was five months out, in mid-May. However, I recognized that I needed assistance before then.
I've scheduled an appointment with a gynecologist who offers concierge services.Dr. Sadaf LodiWithin seven days, she conducted a thorough medical background check to rule out any conflicting health issues, requested preliminary hormone tests, and discontinued my current medication.birth control pills immediately.
Following a two-week break from oral contraceptives, my blood tests revealed a significantly reduced estrogen level. Dr. Lodi suggested an estrogen patch, estradiol vaginal cream, and progesterone treatment.
The changes I experienced from these treatments in only a few days were incredible, and now, five months on, I feel like a new person.
I started taking testosterone and increased the dose of my estrogen patch to figure out the right balance for my body. (Six weeks after starting testosterone, she retested my blood; I'm waiting to discuss the results at my upcoming appointment.)
Right now, my head feels clear. My body is better at managing temperature and hunger (I still crave sugary treats, but I can handle it better). I'm sleeping more, feeling less tired, and my naps are shorter, which is great because I enjoy them. My joints feel good, my throat isn't as dry, and my sex drive has returned. Losing weight remains a challenge, but I'm also exercising almost every day through Pilates, competitive tennis, or other activities.hiking, and I work with a trainer weekly for stretching and weightlifting. I'm in better shape now than I used to be.
My current treatment approach
Currently, I'm undergoing medical hormone therapy (MHT). My regimen consists of a 0.075 mg estrogen patch, estradiol vaginal cream used twice weekly, a pea-sized amount of testosterone cream applied nightly behind my knee, and 200 milligrams of progesterone. Furthermore, my gynecologist emphasized the need for weight-bearing exercises while I'm receiving medical hormone therapy.I have been reborn!I used to be unable to walk far with my dogs, but now I can walk for hours, as long as I have good sneakers!
Things I regret not learning earlier.
I regret that my former gynecologist didn't discuss perimenopause symptoms with me earlier, perhaps in my late 30s or 40s, since some women experience the onset of perimenopause earlier than others. Why isn't there a standard evaluation for all women during their gynecological visits to assess their status? I'm baffled by the insufficient information available about perimenopause, its genuine impact, and the common dismissal of symptoms as merely psychological.
My advice for others
After finding a women's health doctor specializing in perimenopause, I felt confident in her care. Dr. Lodi shared current research and evidence-based treatments, which resonated with my background as a dietitian. I also began to feel...much better, immediately.
I've advised my friends experiencing potential perimenopause symptoms to consult a qualified women's health physician specializing in this area. Although securing an initial consultation with such a gynecologist might be challenging, or locating an expert in a smaller community familiar with cutting-edge therapies may prove difficult, it's best to begin seeing one in your mid-thirties or early forties to proactively identify symptoms.
Although treatment plans vary from person to person (and hormone therapy isn't appropriate for everyone), initiating estrogen sooner rather than later could potentially help avoid future weight gain. I regret not knowing this half a decade ago!
What steps should you take if you think you might be going through perimenopause?
If you suspect you're going through perimenopause, particularly if it's negatively impacting your well-being, here's what to do:
- Be mindful of your physical state.. Pay attention to your symptoms. Keep a record of them, either in a journal or by tracking them, and note when they occur in relation to your menstrual cycle, including specific dates and times.
- Consult with a specialist for medical care.t. Dr. Taylor advises, "If you suspect a hormonal problem, seek out a perimenopause expert who can properly test, track, and modify your treatment." This is a marathon, not a sprint. Hormones are complex and demand focused care.
- Ask and ask againIf you're unsure about the symptoms you're having, consult with your doctor or other healthcare professional specializing in perimenopause. Seek a second opinion if you feel you aren't getting enough support or information.
- Don’t fear perimenopauseDr. Taylor suggests adopting a holistic perspective, stating, "This phase of life has the potential to be amazing. With the right approach, you can flourish and experience a heightened sense of well-being."
Stay informed about your well-being every day by subscribing to our updates.The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
- My Experience with Low Estrogen: Recognizing the Signs of Early Menopause
- When Does Menopause Begin—and What's Your Timeline?
- 1. Menopause: 11 Unexpected and Annoying Symptoms You Should Know About 2. Are You Overlooking These 11 Menopause Symptoms That Cause Frustration? 3. Beyond Hot Flashes: 11 Lesser-Known Menopause Problems That Can Be Incredibly Frustrating 4. These 11 Annoying Issues Could Actually Be Signs of Menopause You Weren't Aware Of 5. Menopause May Be the Culprit: 11 Surprisingly Irritating Problems You Might Not Recognize
- A recent report suggests a possible connection between menopause management and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Post a Comment for "Perimenopause Puzzle Solved: A Doctor's Journey."