As women move through their 40s and 50s (and even mid to late 30s), hormonal shifts can feel like a rollercoaster—affecting everything from mood and energy to metabolism, sleep, and libido. Understanding what’s happening in your body during perimenopause and menopause can help you make informed decisions and feel empowered during this important life transition.
What’s the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause, often starting in a woman’s mid-to-late 30s or early 40s. During this time, hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate. This can lead to noticeable symptoms even though periods may still be occurring.
Menopause is officially defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51.
After menopause, a woman enters postmenopause, when hormone levels remain low and symptoms may stabilize or shift.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Hormonal changes do not just affect your reproductive system—they impact nearly every function in the body. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy
- Decreased libido
- Hair thinning or dry skin
Every woman’s experience is unique. Some breeze through with minimal symptoms, while others experience significant changes that affect daily life.
What’s Happening to Your Hormones?
During perimenopause and menopause, three major hormones are shifting:
Estrogen
Estrogen levels fluctuate in perimenopause and drop significantly in menopause. This hormone plays a role in temperature regulation, mood, bone density, vaginal health, and skin elasticity.
Progesterone
This hormone is often the first to decline. Low progesterone can lead to heavy or irregular periods, anxiety, poor sleep, and PMS-like symptoms.
Testosterone
Although often associated with men, testosterone is important for muscle tone, libido, energy, and mood in women. Levels tend to decline gradually with age.
Other hormones—like cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones—can also be affected, which is why a whole-body approach is essential.
When Should You Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
If symptoms are interfering with your quality of life, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be a helpful option. It can relieve hot flashes, improve sleep and mood, restore libido, and protect bone health.
Is BHRT right for you? It depends on your unique lab results, health history and goals. If you are not a candidate for BHRT, there are other natural solutions and protocols that can be explored.
Final Thoughts
Perimenopause and menopause are natural phases of life—but you don’t have to “just live with” uncomfortable symptoms. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or well into the transition, there are safe, personalized solutions that can help you feel like yourself again.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward hormonal balance, our knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at (980) 580-6070. It’s your time to thrive!
