You Cannot Outrun Menopause
“You cannot outrun, out-earn, or out-exercise the big M. The menopause train is coming no matter what!” - Oprah Winfrey
Menopause happens when the ovaries stop making estrogen, and without the hormone that helps control your menstrual cycle, your period naturally ends. While menopause marks the end of the reproductive years, women experience a range of symptoms leading up to this point. The average age that women go through menopause is 51 years, however, perimenopause can start as early as your 30s!
What is Perimenopause?
Feel like you are too young to be going through menopause but are symptomatic? The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. Beginning in your 30s and 40s, the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries begins to fluctuate. A common sign of perimenopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. Cycles may become longer than usual for you or become shorter. You may begin to skip periods. The amount of flow may become lighter or heavier. Although changes in menstrual bleeding are normal during perimenopause, you still should report them to your health care professional. Abnormal bleeding may be a sign of a problem. There are many more symptoms beyond your cycle that can be a part of perimenopause, though.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms:
Some women do not have any symptoms of perimenopause or have only a few mild symptoms. Others have many symptoms that can be severe. Common signs and symptoms include the following:
Hot flashes: These sudden feelings of warmth, usually most noticeable over the face, neck and chest, can come over you without warning and last for varying amounts of time and with varying intensities.
Sleep problems: Night sweats, changing hormone levels, increased stress and anxiety, as well as depression can all contribute to insomnia during this transition period.
Vaginal and urinary tract changes: This can include the feeling of the need to urinate more frequently and increased urinary tract infections. Changing levels of estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort.
Mood Swings: The hormonal changes in your body can lead to more intense emotions and irritability.
Changes in periods: During this time, women can experience irregular bleeding/spotting, longer and heavier periods, as well as shorter and lighter periods and the skipping of periods.
Changes in libido: Fluctuating hormone levels can also impact your desire to have intercourse.
Brain Fog: Insomnia and hormonal changes from this transition phase can lead to trouble focusing and feeling like one has less mental clarity.
Options for symptom relief:
Hormone Therapy: Your doctor may recommend this based on your symptoms. This process involves taking estrogen and progestin (if you have never had a hysterectomy/have a uterus).
Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep can help relieve symptoms.
Helpful Hacks:
Portable and bedroom fans can provide relief during a hot flash
Sleep supplements (check with your doctor before taking) and good sleep hygiene (think about avoiding screens, not eating right before you to sleep, etc.) can help with insomnia
Fight discomfort from vaginal dryness with doctor-recommended lubricants
Leak-proof underwear has come a long way in the last few years, and there are washable/reusable options that can be a great fit when you are worried about urinary symptoms or don’t know what to expect from your period.
Annual Check-Ups
You should still come for your annual visit, no matter your age. You may no longer need birth control or prenatal care, but we offer the full range of women’s health care. From screening for cancer and STIs to discussing concerns about sex and urinary incontinence, your annual check-up can cover all aspects of your sexual and reproductive health.
The recommendation is to continue with pap tests until age 65, unless you have a risk factor for cervical cancer, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Even women who have had a hysterectomy may still need screening.
With mammograms, most women at low risk of breast cancer can stop at 75. In both cases, you and your ob-gyn should share information, discuss your wishes, and agree on when and how often you will be screened.
There’s a lot to learn about what happens to your body during perimenopause and menopause. Turn to your ob-gyn with questions – it’s what we’re here for. And don’t overlook the value of talking with your mom, sisters, and friends who have “been there.”
These can be helpful additional resources for women navigating the perimenopause and menopause phases of life.
We love it when we can share great resources with our patients, and "The Menopause Manifesto" is just that! Written by a real gynecologist (Dr. Jen Gunter), this book is both a funny and informative guide to menopause.
Watch Now: “The Menopause Talk” with Oprah, Drew Barrymore, and Maria Shriver.
