Integrative Approach to Perimenopause, Menopause and Beyond
Peri-menopause, pre-menopause, menopause, post-menopause. So many words!
Peri-menopause literally means "around" menopause--the years leading up to menopause. Pre-menopause is a non medical term to describe this timing as well.
The definition of menopause is when a women has gone one year without a period. Notice there is no mention of any age or symptoms. It is simply defining the time period after which a women has completed menstruating. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51.5 years. But perimenopausal symptoms can begin as early as the late 30s and continue well into the 60s (and beyond).
Post-menopause is the time beyond going one year without a period. At this time, a women is post-menopausal.
The transition through all these stages is very different for every woman. Types of symptoms and severity can vary wildly. Some women have a very intense menopausal transition and need a lot of support. Other women breeze through it within a blink of an eye. I would say the majority of women experience mild to moderate symptoms that benefit from support and guidance along the way.
The most common symptoms this transition (perimenopause through post menopause) are below.
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Brain fog
Libido changes
Pain with intercourse
Vaginal discomfort
Vaginal dryness
Mood changes
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Breast tenderness
Fatigue
Weight changes
Incontinence
Memory changes
Hair loss
AND THE LIST GOES ON . . .
There are many things we can do to help ease this transition for women. It is important to work with a skilled medical practitioner to make sure the symptoms you are experiencing are not something more serious. There is not a "one size fits all" approach to perimenopause, but if you're motivated and flexible, then together we can find a plan that fits your situation, experience, and goals. Working with an integrative practitioner that has all the tools available to offer you is the most complete and thorough way to approach this transition.
Please feel free to reach out if you are looking for guidance during your perimenopausal or menopausal experience!
Nurture Women's Health and Fertility
831.515.7078
Email Dana: Dana (at) nurturesantacruz (dot) com
About The Author
Dana Ramsey is a Certified Nurse Midwife and has spent the past 15 years helping women navigate their gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopausal challenges. Dana is dedicated to helping her patients overcome conditions impacting their ability to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy.
