Menopause and Perimenopause

What Is Menopause and Perimenopause and How Can We Manage It?

Menopause is not just an ending—it’s a transformation. Much like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, this stage of life can be a powerful opportunity to reconnect with your body, rediscover your strength, and redefine what wellness means for you. My practice embraces this transition as a natural and meaningful part of your journey, offering support, knowledge, and care every step of the way.

Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s a natural phase when the body stops producing the same levels of key sex hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. In the U.S., the average age for menopause is about 51, but it can happen anytime from your early 40s to your 60s. If you have had a hysterectomy, the removal of your uterus, it can be difficult to determine when you go through that transition.

Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, when hormone levels start to rise and fall unevenly. This phase can last anywhere from 2 to 10+ years, and it’s when most women begin to notice symptoms. These may include hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues, low libido, and even sudden feelings of rage. In fact, there are more than 50 possible symptoms related to menopause!

Even if your symptoms are mild or manageable, your body is still adjusting to lower hormone levels. This hormonal shift can increase your risk of serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, coronary artery disease, neuroinflammation, heart disease, osteoporosis, decreased muscle mass, increased visceral fat in abdomen, and dementia to name a few.

Other Conditions Associated with Menopause:

In addition to the common symptoms of menopause, two lesser-known but significant conditions that may develop are Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM):

GSM refers to a collection of symptoms and physical changes affecting the vulva, vagina, and urinary tract, primarily due to a decline in estrogen levels. Reduced estrogen can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues, resulting in symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, increased vaginal pH, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort or burning during urination.

Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause:

Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining joint and muscle health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, many women experience new or worsening joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This condition may also contribute to an increased risk of osteoporosis and overall decline in musculoskeletal strength and function.

Infographic with symptoms:

How Can We Treat It?

There are two main ways to manage menopause symptoms:

Perimenopause/Menopause Symptoms

Non-hormonal treatments, such as antidepressants or lifestyle changes, can help ease specific symptoms like mood changes or sleep issues.
Hormone therapy can replace the hormones your body is no longer making, helping to address the root cause of many symptoms.
Plus lifestyle modification, exploring ways we can improve our lifestyle which includes healthy nutrition, stress reduction, adequate sleep, reduced/cessation to substance use, physical activity, and supplements.

Your care will always be tailored to your unique needs and goals. We’ll talk through all your options together, so you feel informed and supported every step of the way.