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What is Perimenopause?

Women For Women is a highly experienced team of maternal medicine doctors and obgyn in Queens. Perimenopause is the time when a woman naturally transitions into menopause. Perimenopause is also known as the menopausal transition. Perimenopause is caused by your ovaries producing less estrogen to prepare to stop releasing eggs. There is no set time that perimenopause begins; some women may begin to notice some slight changes as early as their mid-30s or as late as their mid-50s. During perimenopause, your estrogen levels fluctuate unevenly. This fluctuation in your estrogen levels may cause irregular periods or your cycle to become longer or shorter. You may even start having periods where your ovaries release no eggs. 

Additionally, you may experience some symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping. Perimenopause is considered over once you have not had a period for a full year, and at that point, you’re considered to be officially in menopause. There is no way to test whether you have entered perimenopause. 

Seeing Your OBGYN in Queens

Your doctor will take into consideration all of your symptoms to figure out whether or not you have entered perimenopause. In some cases, your doctor may order tests to check your hormone levels. Many women make it through perimenopause without any sort of treatment; however, some medications can be taken to help ease the symptoms. You should make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss your symptoms. 

At this appointment, you should have a log of when you’ve been getting your period recently, a list of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, and a list of what medications you are taking to make sure they aren’t causing or worsening your symptoms. Your OBGYN may suggest ways to treat yourself at home, such as a change to your diet or exercise routine. They may even suggest certain medications or treatments depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you are looking for an OBGYN in Queens, check our Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

Symptoms of Perimenopause

obgyn in Queens
  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flashes
  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Night sweats
  • Headaches
  • PMS like symptoms 
  • Changes in mood such as depression or irritability 
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Vaginal Infections
  • Urinary infections
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Loss of bone increases your risk of osteoporosis.
  • Changes to your cholesterol levels
  • Becoming less fertile (It is important to note that though you are becoming less fertile, you can still become pregnant during perimenopause) 
  • Changes to your sexual desire and arousal

Risk Factors for Perimenopause

Menopause is something that every woman will go through at some point in their life. However, there are some things that may cause women to start perimenopause earlier. 

  • Smoking
    • Women who smoke can start perimenopause 1 to 2 years earlier than usual
  • Family history of early menopause
  • Cancer Treatment
    • Chemotherapy and pelvic radiation therapy have been linked to early menopause
  • Hysterectomy

Treatments for Perimenopause

  • Hormone Therapy
    • Systemic estrogen therapy is one of the most effective treatments for perimenopausal night sweats and hot flashes. Systemic estrogen can also help prevent bone loss. 
  • Vaginal Estrogen
    • Vaginal estrogen is estrogen administered to the vagina through a tablet, cream, or ring to allow the vaginal tissue to absorb it. This will help relieve the urinary symptoms of perimenopause and vaginal dryness. 
  • Antidepressants
    • Certain antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be prescribed to help with perimenopause. SSRIs can help reduce hot flashes.
  • Gabapentin (Neurotonin) 
    • Gabapentin is a medication for seizures that also reduces hot flashes. This medication is helpful for women who can not take estrogen. 
  • Birth control pills
    • Birth control can help regulate your hormone levels which will help your symptoms.
  • Vaginal Creams
    • Over-the-counter or prescription vaginal creams can help relieve vaginal dryness and pain related to sex.
  • Calcium supplements (have at least 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium in your diet) 
  • Eat healthily
  • Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
  • Stay active and exercise.

OBGYN in Queens

Women for Women Obstetrics and Gynecology is a practice run entirely by women. Women for Women has six OBGYNs and one certified nurse practitioner. Women for Women provides a safe place for women to receive top-of-the-line care from other women who can understand what they are going through. If you are looking for an OBGYN in Queens, give Women for Women a try. Contact us and make an appointment today.