5 Fast Facts About Treating Perimenopause
Perimenopause is a natural process that women go through in the years leading up to menopause. It's characterized by fluctuating hormone levels and can be difficult to manage. In this article, we will discuss perimenopause and offer advice on how to treat it.
Perimenopause Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be challenging and confusing since some symptoms may overlap or mimic other conditions such as menopause, thyroid disorders, depression, and more. However, it is important to note that the longer you go without getting diagnosed, the worse these uncomfortable symptoms will get. This is because once estrogen levels drop off they never come back again, therefore any fluctuations in estrogen levels could exacerbate further discomfort like hot flashes for example. Once hormone testing has been completed and all hormones have been properly evaluated (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) then we can move on to stage two, treatment options. Understanding what hormone imbalance looks like is the first step in getting relief from perimenopausal symptoms.
Perimenopause Treatment
Treatment options vary depending on your specific needs and we will work with you to customize a treatment plan that works best for you and your unique body chemistry. The most common treatments include lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bioidentical hormones, herbal remedies, acupuncture, medical weight loss plans, supplements, dietary changes/supplements, and many more. Every woman responds differently to different therapies, therefore it is important to be patient while finding what's right for you.
5 Fast Facts About Treating Perimenopause
Treating perimenopause can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. There are several ways you can help yourself through the process. Here's a list of five fast facts about treating perimenopause:
1. Taking estrogen may help relieve hot flashes and night sweats.
It is important to talk with your doctor before taking estrogen. Estrogen may also be associated with some side effects, like weight gain and headaches. Other medications can help relieve hot flashes and night sweats as well.
2. Hormone therapy can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
Hormone therapy is a treatment option for women who have been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, and it can reduce ovarian cancer risk. Hormone therapy is most often recommended for people with breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor two negatives. It’s typically used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or targeted therapies to help slow the spread of cancer in the body. However, there's no evidence yet to suggest that hormone therapy reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer. But if you've had estrogen receptive positive breast cancer and you're at high risk of ovarian cancer, you might be a good candidate for hormone therapy.
3. Your doctor may recommend exercise or yoga to deal with stress during this time in your life.
The biggest part of perimenopause can be incredibly scary if you don't know what to expect. There are a lot of new things that happen during this time in your life and it's important to understand them all. As with any health issue, the best place to start is by talking with your doctor about how you're feeling and coming up with a plan together. Your doctor may recommend exercise or yoga to deal with stress during this time in your life so they will not have as big an effect on your body when going through these changes.
4. You can try alternative treatments like acupuncture or meditation if you are not interested in taking medication.
Some alternative treatments can help with some symptoms. For example, if you're experiencing hot flashes and night sweats, acupuncture or meditation may be helpful. You might also want to consider trying green tea for its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Having any questions is okay. If you have a question, it’s better to ask your doctor than not know the answer. Many women are afraid of talking about their periods with their doctors and end up putting off treatment because they don't want to bring it up. Don’t be shy. Your medical team knows that the menopause transition can be complicated and doesn't expect you to always know everything. They would rather talk through options together so you're confident going forward.
We hope you found these 5 fast facts about treating perimenopause helpful. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns during this time in your life, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for help and guidance. Contact us today so we can schedule a consultation with one of our trusted medical specialists who will be happy to answer all of your questions and get started on the path towards feeling better than ever before.
Do You Need a Perimenopause Specialist in Gilbert, Arizona?
As naturopathic doctors in Gilbert who specialize in women’s health, we hear a lot of stories from women who are not sure what is happening in their bodies. They are 45-50 years old, are exhausted, experience moodiness, depression, or anxiety, and cannot seem to lose weight. If this sounds like you, there is a good chance you are in perimenopause. Offering innovative treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Bio-Identical Hormones, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), Nutrient IVs, Prolotherapy Treatments and emerging alternatives to Stem Cell Therapy that allow us to individualize care for every patient. We pride ourselves on setting the standards of patient care and result-driven treatments. This approach has allowed us to become the leading Naturopathic clinic in Gilbert, Arizona. Our patients return to health and live the life they intended. Contact us today for your first appointment!
