A Hot Flash on Perimenopause and Menopause

A HOT FLASH ON PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE

Of course, you know about menopause…the dreaded “M” word. But before we get into menopause, we should talk about its precursor; perimenopause. Many women haven’t even heard of it. Perimenopause refers to the years of hormonal upheaval that precede a woman’s final period. Usually, around age 35, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone (yes, you’ve got it) levels begin to decline and become erratic. Perimenopause varies greatly from one woman to the next. The average duration is three to four years, although it can last just a few months or extend as long as a decade. (10 years? Yikes!) While perimenopause is an extended transitional state, menopause is a point in time, defined by a lack of period for 12 months or more. The average age of menopause onset is 51 years. (But I’m too young to be in menopause!) However, this isn’t the case for everyone. (Not me, not me…please…)

AND YOU THOUGHT YOUR PERIOD WAS A CURSE.

Probably the first thing you think of with menopause are the dreaded hot flashes that can send a woman to an open fridge begging for icy relief. Truth is, nearly 75 percent of peri-menopausal and menopausal women experience hot flashes. But wait…oh, but wait…perimenopause and menopause can be a shipwreck to rival the Titanic:

  • Night sweats
  • Low libido
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Weight gain
  • Hair loss or thinning
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fatigue

Sadly, Mother Nature doesn’t always play fair.

MEN AND MENOPAUSE

If you’re unsure what menopause entails, men are mostly clueless. All they know is that their partner can seem possessed. Moods galore, tears out of nowhere, night sweats that send them scrambling from spooning to the dry side of the bed. Insensitivity can rear its ugly head. Yes, “the change” can change things, but the key word in this case is “adapt”. This is a time when men need to communicate, ask questions, be understanding, be supportive. Menopause might not be a party, but it doesn’t mean when it comes to a relationship, the party’s over.                                                                                                               

IT’S NOT ALL IN YOUR HEAD

Perimenopause and menopause can even be misunderstood by doctors. Women are often misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. As a result, millions have been placed on antidepressants unnecessarily, and needlessly placed at risk for prescription additions such as valium and other anti-anxiety medications.  These only mask the symptoms of hormonal imbalances.

HOW TO CHANGE “THE CHANGE OF LIFE”

Without question, perimenopause and menopause can seem like hormonal hell. Not knowing what to do about it or where to go is enough to make any woman crazy. But this doesn’t have to be a time when you feel like your body has gone rogue on you. If you want real help with the hormonal upheavals of perimenopause and menopause, you want to see the hormone experts at Denver Hormone Health.  No one knows more or understands better what you’re going through or how to get your hormones back on track than Denver Hormone Health. With state-of-the-art diagnostic hormone testing, the medical specialists at Denver Hormone Health can determine your hormone levels and create a unique treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Perimenopause and menopause don’t have to hit the “pause” button on your life. Call Denver Hormone Health for an appointment now. Think of it as a hot flash of genius.